Virgil van Dijk has been accused of ‘ruining Dutch football’ and told that his ‘time is up’ as local media tore into the Netherlands after their insipid exit from the World Cup.
Ronald Koeman’s men crashed out on Tuesday morning at the hands of an energetic and daring Morocco side, who were the better team and should have won in normal time but needed a penalty shoot-out to do so.
And Van Dijk, captain of both Liverpool and his national team, has been blamed for Netherlands’ early exit and ultra-defensive style which ‘betrays everything our national football stands for’.
Writing in De Telegraaf, journalist Valentijn Driessen said: ‘The way the Dutch national team presented itself to the whole world, defensively and without any initiative, is a great disgrace.
‘Koeman and his captain Van Dijk betrayed everything our national football stands for in Monterrey. By opting for an ultra-defensive style of play, Van Dijk did not have his defensive affairs in order during the World Cup group stage.
‘But no matter how many defenders you surround him with, Van Dijk has had his time.
‘Just like national coach Koeman, who has simply failed terribly.
‘You shouldn't deviate from your idea when it comes to penalties, he said before the clash with Morocco, but a national coach who, after four years of work, starts juggling his lineup and tactics two days before the first knockout match is no longer up to the task.
‘Before Oranje sets foot on Dutch soil after this elimination, the KNVB (Dutch FA) must part ways with Koeman. Top-level football is ruthless, the national coach himself said.
‘He has failed in this second phase of his tenure as national manager, having not won a single match against a top 25 country in four years. He completely fell through the ice in Mexico.
‘By adding even more defenders to relieve his buddy Van Dijk, he helped them sink deep into the pit.’
He added: ‘It is time for a breath of fresh air and a fresh start for the Dutch national team. Without Koeman and Van Dijk.’
Have you paid attention to the action so far? Try our World Cup quiz HERE
Badhur
0
VVD is not to be blamed
Fauzsmail
0
I thought they will cry the way they cried when Argentina nocked them out 2022🤣🤣
Biwcdemnsu
0
criticizing vigil isn't really necessary he's still one of the best at his age when a team wins he becomes the hero,lose he becomes the villain
UFO89
0
Finished man from loserfool
You are the one who's fool here. You are calling someone who's achieved that much name and fame and trophies in his career 'finished' , you can only wish your 7 generations combined had that much. And, mind you he's still one of the best, u dumbo
UFO89
1
I don't know how fked up are all these Dutch journalists and ex-players. They can't live without criticizing the players and especially van Dijk. Win and loss are the parts of the game. What's the need to play if one team always keeps on winning or the other always loses. And, every player is different while he is 25 years old to while he is 35 yo. But, even now, van Dijk is still one of the best. The ones who criticize him that much, get a life ffs
jobaklrty
1
But Mr. Koeman was blaming Arsenal so defensive team as if he plays like a prime Barcelona
pecadeptu
0
Finished man from loserfool