Dutch Media Critique: Van Dijk Not Beaten Because He Keeps Retreating – A False Leader or Exit from National Team?

The public discourse following the Netherlands’ semi-final loss to England in the European Championship continues to intensify. Renowned Dutch commentators, John Dekker and Valentin Derksen, criticized Virgil van Dijk as a “false leader” during their program on SBS television in the Netherlands.

The 33-year-old Van Dijk has experienced fluctuations in form in recent years, particularly at the national level, making him no stranger to criticism from Dutch fans and media. Over the past two years, Van Dijk has either been compelled to respond to criticism from someone in his homeland or repeatedly emphasized that he does not care about commentary regarding himself. Since the start of the European Championship, criticism directed at him has noticeably increased due to his underperformance. This criticism escalated after the Netherlands was dramatically defeated by England in the semi-finals. Post-match, Van Dijk also hinted that he might consider ending his international career, as well as leaving Liverpool.

The Dutch football analysts showed no sympathy for Van Dijk, suggesting instead that the Liverpool player should retire from the national team. Dekker stated, “I think his performance was terrible. Just like those fake cover words, he is a false leader.”

Derksen added, “Van Dijk didn’t take control of everything, partly because he doesn’t want to play proactive, forward-thinking football as the Dutch team needs. On the contrary, he prefers to keep retreating. For a year, he hasn’t been beaten by any player, because he’s always moving backwards, allowing him to avoid being bypassed. His talk of retirement speaks volumes; he’s considering leaving Liverpool and the Netherlands team. Once such thoughts enter your head, you have to say goodbye.”