Liverpool defender Virgil Van Dijk has come under some intense scrutiny following Holland’s 3-2 defeat to Austria.
Ronald Koeman’s Netherlands suffered a rather poor 3-2 defeat to Ralf Rangnick’s Austria as Holland finished third in their group.
This defeat to Austria means that Holland could face Gareth Southgate’s England in the knockout stages, who themselves struggled in a 0-0 draw against Slovenia in the Three Lions’ final game of the group.
As for the Netherlands, one player who has come under some intense scrutiny since the tournament began is Liverpool’s Virgil Van Dijk, who was at fault for Austria’s third goal as he kept Marcel Sabitzer onside.
Van Dijk criticised by Dutch legend
Van Dijk kept Sabizter on side and the former Manchester United midfielder thrashed the ball into the top corner but the Liverpool man kept the current Borussia Dortmund star onside.
Speaking after the game, former iconic Dutch striker Marco Van Basten was very critical of the Liverpool defender.
“He’s got to lead and he’s the one we’re going to hold accountable in the end. He has to organize things and he is responsible,” Van Basten told Voetbal Primeur. “He’s the great leader of the team and then you have to organize these kinds of things better.
“Unfortunately, the criticism has not led to improvement, because it is actually the same points that are not going well for him.
“In that respect, it’s a little disappointing. I’m sorry to have to say it again, but I can also keep my mouth shut.”
For Liverpool, Van Dijk has been a consistent figure for the Anfield club but has struggled for his country recently which has led to some criticism of his leadership skills.
Van Dijk’s club future could be sorted soon
Despite his struggles for the national team, the Dutchman remains a very key figure for the Reds as a fellow Dutchman in Arne Slot prepares to take the reins at Anfield.
As for Van Dijk, HITC understands that Liverpool are keen on renewing the defender’s contract.
There is understood to be interest from the Saudi Pro League in the Dutch defender but those at Liverpool are keen on tying down the former Southampton star to a new deal at Anfield.
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