Dutch star Memphis Depay has been speaking to the local press at the start of the international break, and talked a little about Virgil van Dijk’s absence in the national team.
The Liverpool defender is absent due to the the knee injury picked up in the Merseyside Derby three weeks ago, when he was tackled by Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
Speaking to Fox Sports, Depay was quite harsh with his words, claiming that the Toffees player shouldn’t have made a tackle like that.
“I didn’t see the tackle myself. I must say I saw him walk off the pitch afterward. When I saw the play, I did use some words that I’m not going to repeat,” Depay told Fox Sports (via Soccer News).
“It’s bizarre that you can injure someone like that. I’ll leave it at that. It hurts the whole team, but he hurts the most.”
Depay, who recently wore a t-shirt honouring his teammate, also explained he called the Liverpool player to wish him good luck on his recovery period.
“I called him and also applauded him. I think everyone at Oranje did. I know how it feels and that it’s tough and difficult. Virgil is one of the most important men on the field and beyond. It’s very sad that it happened, but I know he’s mentally strong and this is going to make him stronger.”
Virgil van Dijk has had knee ligament surgery and is unlikely to play again for Liverpool this season. Perhaps the Netherlands still have hope of having him for the Euros in 2021, but that’s very much in the balance.
