Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk accused of thinking he is Franz Beckenbauer during Euro 2024 clash

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Liverpool defender Virgil Van Dijk has once again come under some serious criticism for his performances at Euro 2024.

The Netherlands have finished in third place in their European Championship group following defeat to Austria thanks to a remarkable late goal from Marcel Sabitzer.

Austria, under former Manchester United manager Ralf Rangnick, finished top of their group which contained France and Holland and could well be the surprise package of this tournament as the knockout stages approach.

As for the Netherlands, it has been a rather disappointing tournament for the Oranje so far as they were denied victory over France due to a questionable offside decision going against them and were beaten by Austria after more defensive errors.

Liverpool defender Van Dijk receives brunt of criticism

The player who has received the most criticism since this rather meek display against Austria is the Liverpool defender Virgil Van Dijk.

Van Dijk kept Sabitzer onside and the Borussia Dortmund midfielder did the rest as he lashed the ball high and effectively into the Netherlands net.

The Liverpool defender has come under fire in the aftermath of the defeat and Dutch journalist Johan Derksen believes the 32-year-old is afraid to engage in duels.

“I’m not a big fan of Van Dijk,” Derksen told Voetbal Primeur. “In such a match, no one is allowed to give up, but Van Dijk does not participate in that.

“He’s been playing Franz Beckenbauer the whole game. He leans back on defense. He then takes a pass gracefully and gives some directions, but I never see him go into the duels.

“It’s ten against ten, then he has to participate. Van Dijk is completely superfluous there. He has given himself a very posh position, which is causing problems for the rest of the team.”

Van Dijk’s struggles for the Netherlands continue

This is not the first time that Van Dijk has come under fire for his performances on the international stage.

Van Dijk has previously been criticised for his lack of leadership for the Oranje but, truth be told, the entire Netherlands defence looked to be struggling.

Austria had countless chances to put the game to bed as the entire Netherlands defence looked to be struggling to deal with the high energy approach of Rangnick’s team.