Fellow Dutchman, Marco van Basten has launched an extraordinary tirade at Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk, claiming the Reds stalwart “creates chaos.”
For his accomplishments while wearing a Liverpool jersey, Van Dijk is regarded as one of the greatest central defenders in Premier League history.
However, last Friday night when the Netherlands traveled to France, Van Dijk was far from his best. Kylian Mbappe scored a goal in the 4-0 demolition of the Oranje.
The pressure was on Van Dijk as skipper of the Dutch team in Ronald Koeman’s first match back in charge. Van Basten believes he is falling short of these standards. And worries that the center-back will tire of wearing the captain’s insignia because he doesn’t speak up enough.
“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.
See Also: Marcus Rashford ‘Rejected £400k-A-Week Contract’ From Paris Saint-Germain
“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.”
Van Basten is not the only Dutch football legend to criticize Van Dijk for his national team performances. Despite the remarks being shocking to read.
In addition to agreeing with Van Basten, Ruud Gullit went one step further.He accused Van Dijk of being arrogant and believing “he’s better than the rest.”
COMMENTS