Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has responded to criticism from former Dutch striker Marco van Basten about his World Cup performances.
The Dutch captain has come under fire for his recent performances and came under fire after the Netherlands drew 1-1 with Ecuador. Van Dijk’s defense during Ecuador’s equalizing goal came under criticism and many on social media blamed him for the goal, as did Van Basten.
Van Basten discussed Ecuador’s equalizing goal during the post-match show on NOS and blamed the Liverpool defender. He said (via talkSPORT):
“Van Dijk is just waiting and watching him shoot.”
“What is he looking at? He has to be on top of him! He just lets him shoot!”
“He doesn’t take the lead. He doesn’t deal with anything on the team. He makes a sound, but he doesn’t say anything. This is what he does.”
Van Dijk has not taken the comments of the former Dutch striker well and has responded brutally. When asked about Van Basten’s comments, he said:
“I don’t think it’s ever positive, so what am I supposed to do with it? It’s easy to talk from the studio.
“Me failing as captain? What do you want me to do with that information? I am always in front. I lead the team in the best possible way”.
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It is not the first time that the former AC Milan striker questions Van Dijk’s commitment to his country. During the Nations League, he told Ziggo Sport:
“Van Dijk is actually the better man, but he is the one with the least initiative.
“Actually, it’s very strange that such a good player does so little for the Dutch team in preparation.”
