Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has been ‘struggling’ to hit his best form during the ongoing World Cup.
That’s the view of former Reds full-back Markus Babbel, anyway. Speaking to Stadium Astro, Babbel was asked about criticism of van Dijk from Dutch legend Marco van Basten.
“Since his bad injury, he’s [van Dijk] not the same anymore. He doesn’t look the absolute leader in Liverpool, or even here in the national team,” said the German. “Yes, he’s a top defender. But he was stronger before the injury. I hope he can find his top, top form, because the Netherlands need him. He is normally one of the best centre-backs in the world.
“At the moment, he is struggling with Liverpool and even in the game against Ecuador, he didn’t look good. Those are harsh words [from van Basten]. But a lot of truth in it.”
What did van Basten say?
This seems a little harsh from Babbel, but it’s light criticism compared to the words of the legendary van Basten.
Speaking after van Dijk failed to close down an Ecuador attacker in the lead up to the equalising goal last Friday, the player-turned-pundit laid into van Dijk when speaking to NOS.
“What is he [van Dijk] looking at? He needs to be one top of him, he just lets him shoot. He doesn’t take the lead; he takes care of nothing in the team. He makes a sound, but he doesn’t say anything. This is what he does,” fumed van Basten.
While it perhaps wasn’t the best defending from Virgil, this is over the top from his countryman. He may not have covered himself in glory for the goal, but he was otherwise Holland’s best player against Ecuador.
As they look to get the better of the USA in the last-16, they’ll be looking to the Liverpool man once again.
Without him, the Netherlands look exceptionally soft-centred. They have decent defenders around van Dijk but take the 31-year-old out of the side and you’re not left with anything to write home about.
As a result, maybe it’s best to leave Virgil be. He isn’t perfect, and we’re getting used to seeing that this season after an impeccable five years at Liverpool.
But he’s still the best in the business. van Dijk tends to turn it on in the biggest games and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see his old, imperious form return for the knockout rounds. Go and prove them wrong, Virgil!
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