Danny Murphy has stated that he doesn’t think Virgil van Dijk should be talking about formations in public after the Liverpool player’s ‘swipe’ at Netherlands boss, Louis van Gaal, as he told talkSPORT.
After Holland recorded a 4-2 win over Denmark in a friendly on Saturday, Van Dijk seemed to suggest that he prefers a 4-3-3 formation, like he plays at Liverpool, rather than the three at the back which is currently being deployed by Van Gaal on the international stage.
Whilst Van Dijk is one of the world’s best defenders and he has proven himself time and time again in Liverpool colours.
- READ MORE: Fulham’s XI if they kept their top stars
Just like with his Liverpool boss, Jurgen Klopp, if he wants to play a certain formation, then it will happen, regardless of how the players feel and Van Gaal is the same stubborn character.
So, the ice-cool Dutchman can drop whatever hints he wants because he will probably have to continue playing in a back three for the long run.
Nonetheless, Murphy, was talking in general about teams not being successful when playing three at the back, before touching upon Van Dijk’s comments.
“If you look back, historically, at international tournaments,” said Murphy. “Then I don’t think anyone has won a big tournament, playing three at the back, since Euro 96.
“If you look at the best club teams, over the last decade, 90% of them play four at the back. It’s what players are most comfortable with and it’s what has got the most success.
“Now, Gareth (Southgate) can turn around and say ‘we played three at the back against Germany and beat them. And we were a penalty shootout away from winning the Euros’. But you didn’t win it.
On VVD having a ‘swipe’ at Van Gaal for playing three at the back when he prefers four: “I don’t think Van Dijk should be talking about that in public, to be honest.”
Van Dijk missed Holland’s European Championships journey last summer because he was still recovering from injury.
But, a player of his quality should be on the biggest stage in the world and this is his chance to showcase his worth.
Holland aren’t going to be one of the favourites, but with Van Dijk at the back, they will surely fancy themselves, added with Van Gaal’s defensive structure, to stop some of the best attacking teams at the World Cup.
But, before all that, Van Dijk will be looking to add a few more medals to his cabinet because Liverpool are chasing the Premier League title, the Champions League and the FA Cup during these final months of the season.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
