Virgil van Dijk Faces Fresh Wave of Criticism from Dutch Media Despite Big Win š¬
The 34-year-old defender, who wore the captainās armband for both Liverpool and the Dutch national team, was rated among the lowest performers on the pitch by several Dutch outlets. His early misplaced backpass handed Malta a rare opportunity, and a late booking means heās now one yellow card away from suspension, with three crucial qualifiers left to play.
Dutch outlet Voetbal Primeur claimed Van Dijk appeared āweakā in key moments, while Algemeen Dagblad described his error as āpainful,ā criticizing the skipper for showing a lack of focus in a team already accused of low intensity in big matches.
Speaking after the game, Van Dijk defended himself, saying:
> āI didnāt think it was a yellow card at all. I know Iām walking a tightrope now, but thatās football. We still have three important matches ahead ā we move on.ā
The Netherlands will next host Finland before traveling to Poland, and will close their group stage against Lithuania. Once the international break ends, Van Dijk will return to Merseyside to prepare for Liverpoolās massive Premier League clash against Manchester United at Anfield.
Itās not the first time Van Dijk has been singled out by Dutch punditsā¦ but could this constant criticism be starting to affect the Redsā skipper mentally? š¤
