Ronald Koeman says there’s one area where Virgil van Dijk simply has to do better

Add as preferred source on Google

Ronald Koeman has suggested that Virgil van Dijk has to become more of a leader despite being captain for both Liverpool and the Netherlands.

Speaking on Zwiggo Sports, the Dutch national team manager issued some odd criticism towards the 32-year-old defender, who has largely impressed this season.

Koeman said: “In recent international matches, I thought he was the old Virgil again. However, I still think he can do better. One point of criticism I think is that he could be even more of a leader.”

With Jordan Henderson and James Milner leaving Liverpool this summer, Van Dijk was appointed by Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool’s next permanent captain.

And for many fans, the defender has been an excellent choice, with the centre-back proving both on and off the pitch to be a great leader and ambassador for the club.

However, Koeman’s comments seem to suggest otherwise, with the former Everton and FC Barcelona manager choosing a strange battle to pick with one of his best players.

Koeman clearly hasn’t watched Van Dijk for Liverpool this season

If you were to ask a Liverpool fan how they thought Van Dijk had fared this season since becoming captain, the majority of answers would be overwhelmingly positive.

The Dutch international has been a shining beacon for Liverpool this campaign and a good reason why the Reds are performing as well as they have been in the Premier League.

And for Koeman, it’s clear that the Netherlands manager hasn’t watched nearly enough of Van Dijk for Liverpool, with the defender arguably back to his best under Klopp.