VIRGIL VAN DIJK has been branded as a “first-class wimp” following Holland’s 4-0 defeat to France.
Some are even calling on Ronald Koeman to strip the Liverpool defender of the Dutch captaincy.
Van Dijk was at the heart of his nation’s defence alongside debutant Lutsharel Geertruida against the 2018 World Cup champions last Friday.
The Netherlands were torn apart, with former FC Twente and Feyenoord boss Gertjan Verbeek aiming some harsh criticism towards Van Dijk.
While working as a pundit for Omrop Fryslan, Verbeek said: “I think Van Dijk is a first-class wimp.
“I would immediately take away his captain’s armband.
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“He has to mean a lot more as a captain. He has to put things down. It happens to him.
“At one point he lets Lutsharel Geertruida drown and then he stands there after the first goal, like: blablabla. Where was he then?”
It is not the first time the 31-year-old has drawn criticism this season, with Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher lambasting his performance during the Reds’ 5-2 defeat to Real Madrid.
However, Voetbal International claim the criticism got to him this time, with the Dutch outlet suggesting Van Dijk “seemed annoyed” at comments from ex-internationals Ruud Gullit and Marco van Basten.
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After the game, Van Dijk told Viggo Sport: “I don’t know what kind of criticism has been made? It is clear that we played badly. I am one of the experienced guys, so it is completely justified.”
He later added: “This is of no use to me [the criticism]. Everyone is allowed to have their own opinion these days, that’s the case.
“Did I set the bar unrealistically high? How is that possible? It was never perfect, consistent is the right word.
“We’ve had a lot of success with the team. Football players, they know that better than anyone, have high peaks and deep lows.
“It’s quite normal that you can’t always play consistently. That you have a phase as a club or player where you are looking for your level. People should not forget that.
“It is normal that people make mistakes, that it is part of football and that it is very human.
“Regardless of who gets a platform and is allowed to say what, so that things are made big. You know better than anyone when you are doing something right or not.”
Van Dijk is expected to be back in action for Liverpool when they take on Manchester City on Saturday.
The heavyweight clash could be make or break for both sides, with Liverpool aiming to rise into the top four and City gunning for runaway league leaders Arsenal.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
