‘No courage’… Liverpool star slammed for causing ‘chaos’ after latest Euro 2024 display

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Liverpool are well-represented at the 2024 Euros with 10 first-team stars called up to compete in Germany.

New Reds boss Arne Slot will be keeping a close eye on his new players as he begins his preparations for the upcoming Premier League season.

Liverpool secured their return to the Champions League next season after finishing third in what was Jurgen Klopp’s farewell campaign at Anfield.

Slot will be hoping that his international stars can build momentum while away on duty, but there was not much to enjoy for club captain Virgil van Dijk when his Netherlands side suffered a 3-2 defeat to Austria on Tuesday afternoon.

The Netherlands have still progressed to the knockout stage of the tournament but they have struggled to get going so far in Germany with just one win and four goals conceded in the group stage.

Ronald de Boer criticises Virgil van Dijk

Van Dijk has faced some serious criticism while away with his nation with the 32-year-old unable to bring the same defensive solidity to the Netherlands that Liverpool fans have grown accustomed to at Anfield.

Former Netherlands midfielder Ronald de Boer pulled no punches in his assessment of Van Dijk’s performance against Austria.

Via Dutch outlet VoetbalPrimeur, De Boer wrote: “He does not show enough leadership. No courage was shown from the back against an opponent who had a good tactical plan.

“We have to respond with a tactical response, but we could not do that. The central defenders are primarily responsible for the chaos at Oranje.”

Virgil van Dijk at Liverpool next season

Keeping hold of Van Dijk will be a top priority for Slot – his impact on Liverpool’s defence since he arrived on Merseyside has been tremendous.

But age is catching up to him and serious injuries are bound to have taken a toll on Van Dijk’s ability.

READ MORE: ‘Horrendous…’ BBC pundits slam Liverpool duo after their performance at Euro 2024

Liverpool fans will have their fingers and toes crossed that the Van Dijk seen in Germany is not the one that will return later this summer.

It is too early to be showing Van Dijk the door at Anfield – after all he is still one of the best at what he does – but he is slowly showing signs of decline which will have alarm bells ringing.