Legendary duo Marco van Basten and Ruud Gullit tore into Virgil van Dijk for “creating choas” and “thinking he’s better than the rest” after the Netherlands’ 4-0 defeat to France.
The Dutch captain was far from his best in Ronald Koeman’s first game back in charge as Kylian Mbappe and co. ripped the Oranje apart in their Euro 2024 qualifier on Friday.
Gertjan Verbeek, the former manager of FC Twente and Feyenoord, described him as a “first class wimp” after the game and although Van Dijk and his team got back on track with a 3-0 win over Gibraltar on Monday, Van Basten used the punditry opportunity to have quite the pop at the Liverpool centre-back.
“He makes noise, but he doesn’t say anything,” Van Basten told Ziggo Sport.
“He is not clear. A good captain thinks aloud, makes it clear what is going on. He stays in between. He creates chaos. That leads to misunderstandings. That is what you, as a captain, must prevent.
“In the dressing room he is good, football tactically and technically not. You need another gentleman on the field. This has nothing to do with that injury, this has to do with leadership. He makes noise, but he says nothing. That’s true. This is in you. This is wanting to win at all costs.”
Ruud Gullit then chimed in, accusing Van Dijk or arrogance and “playing safe”.
“It’s walking backwards,” he said. “In England they have already criticised him. He was selected for the world team of the year. He thinks he’s better than the rest.
“We see things… Then I think, ‘you are captain, you have to solve this’–. But he’s just commenting a little on what’s happening in front of him.
“I don’t know if he’s doing it, but it doesn’t look like he’s speaking. He plays so safe. Come on now, you’re so big and good. It is a positive criticism that we give. Isn’t he the best? Then show it.”
In response to the criticism aimed his way, Van Dijk said: “This is of no use to me. 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…
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