Van Dijk hits back at criticism from Van Basten & Gullit in latest war of words

Virgil van Dijk hit back at criticism meted out to him by former Dutch internationals Marco van Basten and Ruud Gullit following Netherlands' 4-0 thrashing at the hands of France.

Speaking after the national team's subsequent 3-0 win against Gibraltar on Monday night, the Liverpool defender called for greater understanding of the struggle for consistency that can sometimes affect players.

When asked about the criticism by Ziggo Sport, as per VI, Van Dijk initially wasn't aware of the specifics of the comments by Van Basten and Gullit.

'It's clear that we played badly,' Van Dijk said more generally of the performance against France in Paris.

'I'm one of the experienced guys, so it's completely justified.'

After Friday's match, Van Basten had torn into the national team captain, saying that he 'makes noise but he doesn't say anything'.

'He is not clear. A good captain thinks aloud, makes it clear what is going on. He stands in between. he created chaos. That leads to misunderstandings,' he added.

Gullit was in agreement, with the former Chelsea player adding that he believed the Reds player was 'arrogant'.

The players earned a combined 124 caps playing for the Oranje, and were members of the European Championship-winning side in 1988.

The player's leadership at club-level were previously called into question by Sportsmail columnist Graeme Souness, who said that he 'wasn't sure' if Van Dijk was a natural leader as 'he doesn't speak'.

When informed of his compatriots' comments, Van Dijk was more explicit with his response.

'This is of no use to me,' he started again. 'Everyone is allowed to have their own opinion these days, that's the case.

'[But] did I set the bar unrealistically high? How is that possible? It was never perfect – constant is the right word.

'We've had a lot of success with the team. Football players, they [Van Basten and Gullit] know that better than anyone, have high peaks and deep valley.'

The 31-year-old went on to add: 'It's quite normal that you can't always play consistently. That you have a phase as a club or player where you are looking for your level.

'People should not forget that. It is normal that people make mistakes, that it is part of football and that it is very human. Regardless of who gets a platform and is allowed to say what, so that things are made big.'

Van Dijk went on to tie his current form to the form of his club, which has been patchy throughout the 2022/23 season.

'You know better than anyone when you are doing something right or not,' he finished.

'These are difficult times at the club, also with ups and downs. I am very positive about the future and try to play my best game ever, every game.

'We are not robots. Let's not forget that. Maybe people sometimes forget that.'

The defender has been captain of the national team since manager Ronald Koeman's first stint in charge, in 2018.

The same year, he signed to Liverpool to the tune of £75million.

Van Dijk has been under-pressure for club and country of late, after an underwhelming time in Qatar saw the Netherlands crash out in the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup.

Numerous defensive mishaps have played a role in underscoring the No 4's shakiness at club level.

The Netherlands currently sit outside of the automatic qualifying places for Euro 2024 in Group B, languishing in third place behind Greece in second due to an inferior goal difference.

However, despite their faltering start to the campaign, they remain widely tipped to qualify ahead of them, and fellow group members Malta, Gibraltar and the Republic of Ireland.