Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk is currently on international duty at Euro 2024, hoping to lead the Netherlands to a first major trophy since 1988.
The Liverpool and Oranje ace has been a star for club and country alike in recent years, and he’ll be eager to help his nation to silverware over the coming weeks.
However, while the Netherlands have made it through to the knockout stages of the tournament, they’ve made life much harder for themselves.
Ronald Koeman’s charges finished third in the group following their 3-2 loss to Austria in their final Group D game on Tuesday evening.
While Austria impressed en route to a superb win and top spot in the group, Van Dijk and his compatriots largely flattered to deceive.
After the game, Netherlands legend Ronald de Boer gave his verdict on his nation’s efforts so far, and also singled Van Dijk out for criticism.
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Ronald de Boer suggests Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk should ‘stand up’
De Boer took to X to write: “Jerry (sic) Schouten, what a relief.
“So clear where the problem lay. The team always has the intention to go all out, but if you are always late because you are in the wrong position, it seems as if you are not doing anything about it.
“Maybe Van Dijk should stand up?”
Van Dijk not the worst on the pitch
Although De Boer appears to have singled Van Dijk out for criticism, the Liverpool ace wasn’t the worst player on the pitch for the Oranje by any means.
For instance, Voetbal Zone gave him a 6 out of 10 rating, while many of his teammates received 5.5 or below. Indeed, one received a 2 out of 10 rating.
‘Virgil van Dijk immediately had to organize his defense well, because Austria immediately chose to launch attack after attack,’ they wrote.
‘The captain, like the other internationals, was in much better shape after the break. Van Dijk headed just over from a corner, much to his own disappointment.
‘The veteran could not prevent the Dutch national team from suffering its first defeat of this European Championship in Germany in the last half hour.’
Van Dijk appears to have uncertain future at Liverpool
Van Dijk and his compatriots will no doubt step up in the coming weeks in pursuit of a solid campaign for the Oranje.
However, his future after the Euros appears uncertain, with speculation emerging over his future.
Van Dijk’s contract expires in 12 months, and discussions over a new deal appear to have stalled.
TEAMtalk recently reported that Van Dijk’s representatives are pencilled in for a meeting with the Saudi Pro League as the likes of Al-Nassr attempt to sign him.