Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk headed into this international break defending himself from the Dutch media.
He was left frustrated by comments during the World Cup by Valentijn Driessen. He insisted that Van Dijk “betrayed everything our national team stands for” among other criticisms as Ronald Koeman’s side were knocked out.
It left the 35-year-old Liverpool defender questioning his international future. He was certainly unwilling to clear things up during the weeks after the tournament.
Most of the Dutch press were ready to move on. They believed that the time might have come for the national team to move on. Then came talks with new manager Xavi, and he decided to continue.
Uncomfortable return
That might be a decision he is now regretting. After a draw against Germany, then a win over Serbia, things appeared to be going well. Then came a disastrous first half in the 2-2 draw with Greece.
That performance was one Gertjan Verbeek, a former coach, was watching closely. And he saw things that concerned him when it came to the Liverpool defender.
“When Oranje plays dominantly and then loses possession, there is a huge amount of space behind the defense,” Verbeek told Sportnieuws.nl.
He feels that Van Dijk – and Jurriën Timber – do not feel comfortable with Xavi’s style of play.
“They are visibly struggling with it because, quite simply, they aren’t fast enough. In this system, Micky van de Ven would be a good option, as his speed allows him to recover well,” he added.
“I feel that at Liverpool, they take Van Dijk’s strengths more into account; they have more respect for his qualities there. In this current style of play, Van Dijk simply isn’t able to show his best form.”
Xavi decision
That could lead to bigger problems down the line. Verbeek feels that Xavi will have to make a choice when it comes to the Liverpool man.
Either convince him to play his football or drop him.
You have to ensure defenders can play in a secure environment; otherwise, you end up with ‘scaredy-cat’ football…” he concluded.
“You saw that with Van Dijk against Germany and Greece, when he was beaten for pace a few times. Xavi needs to make a choice here.
“If he selects him, he has to convince Van Dijk that he must step up to press his opponent and not just let his man go.”
