Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk has again found himself in the firing line in the Dutch press, with journalists Johan Derksen and Valentijn Driessen singling him out for criticism.
FC Update covers comments from the pair as they focused on Van Dijk following the Netherlands’ defeat to England in the semi-finals of Euro 2024.
Van Dijk has once again found himself being targeted by the media in his homeland throughout the tournament in Germany, with many believing his performances have not been up to standard.
This is nothing new for the Liverpool defender, who regularly finds himself either responding to criticism from someone back in his homeland or insisting he is not concerned by whatever the latest comments on him may be.
There’s been a distinct ramping up of those comments over the last few weeks, though, as the Dutch have failed to impress at Euro 2024, and some have focused their attention on Van Dijk as a result.
That was the case again following the defeat to England courtesy of Ollie Watkins’ super, last gasp winner to send the Three Lions through to the final.
Van Dijk was very vocal after the game and did not hold back on his comments, even hinting that he could consider his international and club career following the result.
While this has been met with dismay at Anfield, it seems Derksen and Driessen were feeling less sympathetic.
“I find it horrible. And then those soothing texts, afterwards. A kind of pseudo-leader,” said Derksen before Driessen said he is “just like a preacher”.
“He didn’t take things in hand. That is also because he does not want to play the way the Dutch team wants to play, forward. Instead, he prefers to play towards the back. He wasn’t passed by any player for a year, but that’s because he always runs backwards. Then you don’t get passed.
“This (his comments on retiring) already says enough. He is thinking of quitting Liverpool and the Dutch national team. So that is already in his head. Then you actually have to say goodbye.”
