Earlier today we covered an article from De Telegraaf which detailed the growing belief in the Netherlands that Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool aren’t being entirely straight over Virgil van Dijk’s injury return.
With the Reds manager pretty much ruling the defender out of the Euros, the Dutch feeling is that this is part of a plan to make sure Van Dijk isn’t called up for the tournament, with it believed there’s a real possibility he’ll be ready.
The Dutch newspaper have a second article on the situation, this time in the form of a column from their chief football writer Valentijn Driessen.
He believes Klopp is ‘pursuing a strategy’ when it comes to Van Dijk. The manager is said to be ‘horrified’ at the prospect of the player not appearing for Liverpool again this season, then going away with the Netherlands, only to return in poor condition.
There’s no sniping from Driessen, who completely understands the Premier League club’s position, although it’s made clear that as far as those in charge of Oranje are concerned, there’s still hope for the Euros.
Voices saying Van Dijk will be fitter sooner than expected are ‘becoming louder’, partly inspired by hope yet also through some genuine expectation.
It’s explained that unlike Memphis Depay last year, Van Dijk isn’t giving repeat positive updates on his impending return, however, he’s working just as hard as the Lyon player in his injury comeback and seeing progress.
Van Dijk ‘wisely’ won’t comment on the situation. He’s not completely sure he’ll be ready and it’s not thought there’s any point quarrelling with his club at this stage.
Driessen states: ‘Ultimately, Van Dijk has the last word. Liverpool, which made him the most expensive defender in the world, pays Van Dijk a millionaire salary. There should be loyalty in return. On the other hand, everyone in his home country is begging for his participation in the European Championship with three matches in Amsterdam.’
