Icon criticised for ‘way too easy’ criticism of Liverpool star – Targeting him for 5 years

Marco van Basten needs to let his ongoing criticism of Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk go, with his latest problem not the defender’s fault.

That’s according to Pierre van Hooijdonk, who has fought back to defend the Liverpool man as Van Basten continues to criticise him.

Van Basten again spoke out against Van Dijk this week, criticising the Liverpool man for not being a good enough leader for the Netherlands despite wearing the captain’s armband.

It was the latest in a growing list of criticisms from Van Basten, who has regularly spoken about Van Dijk and often in a less than flattering manner.

The Dutch icon has long been considered to have something of a vendetta against the Liverpool man, finding himself at the centre of the critics that the Reds star has in his homeland, who regularly pop up with an opinion on him during international periods.

Van Dijk has regularly insisted he is not bothered by this, continuing that theme recently and making it clear he will leave people to their opinions and not get involved.

Van Hooijdonk has no such problem getting involved, though, and believes Van Basten is wide of the mark with his latest criticism of the Liverpool star.

“I think this is way too easy. Marco has been targeting Virgil for five years… It’s a shame he isn’t here, because then it’s easier to discuss,” FC Update report him saying.

“This team has no real leader, just like the Dutch team in 1988. If you put a band around someone’s arm, it does not mean that you are a leader just like Ronald Koeman and Ruud Gullit in ’88. I think that’s too easy.”