Holland legend Marco van Basten has claimed that Liverpool’s Virgil Van Dijk isn’t doing enough for his national team.
In quotes from the Metro, van Basten said that the Liverpool star is being carried by Manchester City’s Nathan Ake and Jurrien Timber of Ajax.
“Jurrien Timber is our biggest strength in defence. He always takes the initiative just like Nathan Ake while actually the best defender (Van Dijk) takes the least initiative of the three which is weird,” said the former striker. “That such a great centre back does so little in the build-up.”
“Ajax is playing great football thanks to Jurrien Timber and the national team is playing great football thanks to him too. It’s thanks to him that we are able to play so easy out from the back.”
Timber takes the spotlight
Rather than focus on van Basten’s strange criticism of Van Dijk, it’s worth looking at the other side of his point.
That’s because Jurrien Timber is really starting to make a name for himself. Last week, Van Dijk himself admitted that the 21-year-old is far better than he was at that age.
Timber has already been the subject of massive interest from Manchester United and looks set to be a future star.
In that respect, Liverpool would do well to keep an eye on his progress. Glowing recommendations from Van Dijk are likely to be taken into account when they eventually have to replace the 31-year-old.
Hopefully that won’t be for another few years at least. But with Joel Matip also into his thirties, Liverpool need to start preparing now.
The World Cup will provide the perfect stage for Timber to showcase his abilities. Despite what van Basten says, learning from Van Dijk is probably the best education a centre-back could possibly have.
As for Ake, he’s a decent enough defender, but he’s no Van Dijk. Then again, if Holland want to rely on a £40m Man City back-up over the world’s best defender, they’re free to do so.
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox
