Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk has been left ‘on edge’ for the Netherlands, after a ‘painful’ moment in the 4-0 win over Malta.
That’s according to Algemeen Dagblad, who hand him a five out of ten for his display in the victory on Thursday.
The Netherlands ran out 4-0 winners thanks to a double from Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo. He scored both from the penalty spot before goals from Tijani Reinjders and Memphis Depay.
It was a comfortable evening for Ronald Koeman’s side. But it could have been very different early on. Van Dijk misplaced a back pass straight to forward Joseph Mbong, putting him clean through. Fortunately for the Liverpool captain, the Malta man couldn’t convert.
Liverpool defender given 5/10 – Lowest in the team
That was a ‘lucky escape’ say AD, who say it was ‘painful’ to see such a moment in a team that is often accused of ‘lacking urgency’ in matches. Van Dijk was also booked, leaving him ‘on edge’ for the upcoming away trip to Poland. He was handed a 5/10, the lowest of anyone in the Dutch side.
Indeed, he was outshone by his Liverpool teammates. Jeremie Frimpong received a 6/10, Ryan Gravenberch a 7/10 and Gakpo a 7.5/10. Gakpo was seen as his side’s standout performer and earned plenty of praise.
“It probably didn’t feel like a special evening for Gakpo,” journalist Mikos Gouka wrote.
“But with two well-placed penalties and a beautifully curled long-range shot that hit the inside of the post early in the match, the left striker was once again crucial for the Dutch team on their way to the World Cup.
“His goal ten minutes after the break was rightly disallowed. But a minute later, Gakpo provided the assist for Reijnders’ 0-3. With 17 goals, he has now surpassed Johan Neeskens and Ruud Gullit in the all-time list of Dutch goal scorers. He was substituted seven minutes before the final whistle, giving Simons some more playing time.”
