Dutch legend Ruud Gullit has hit out at Virgil van Dijk for his lack of leadership after the Netherlands slipped to successive defeats against Croatia and Italy in the Nations League.
Having made the final four of the competition, Holland were beaten 4-2 after extra time by the 2018 World Cup finalists in the semi-finals earlier this month, and followed that up by losing 3-2 in the third-place play-off against Roberto Mancini's Italy.
The Netherlands have now lost three of their last four matches since Ronald Koeman returned as manager, and after conceding seven goals in the space of four days Gullit was particularly critical of van Dijk and team-mate Frenkie de Jong for their roles in the defeats.
'Despite the fact that they are idolised by some people in the Netherlands, often to loud applause, I find that these two important players do not measure up when necessary,' Gullit wrote in De Telegraaf.
'They do not reach the level that can be required of them as decisive international leaders.
'I think Van Dijk and De Jong don't have leadership skills. Actually, I'm asking them for something they don't have. They need more attention to their own game.
'It's difficult for a coach to work without leaders on the pitch and it's supposed to be that Van Dijk and De Jong should be those leaders.'
Gullit is not the first Dutch icon to question Van Dijk's captaincy, as Marco van Basten also criticised the Liverpool defender back in March.
Van Basten claimed Van Dijk 'makes noises but he doesn't say anything' and accused him of creating 'chaos' with his defending after the Netherlands were thrashed 4-0 by France.
Gullit was also unimpressed by Van Dijk's display in Paris, stating the 31-year-old had been 'arrogant'.
Van Dijk was disappointed with Van Basten and Gullit's comments, claiming they were 'no use to me', but admitted the following month that he had fallen below his usual high standards during the 2022-23 season as Liverpool finished outside the top four to miss out on Champions League football.
He also refused to defend his latest performance against Italy as he delivered a scathing assessment of Holland's problems.
'It’s just not good enough. The first half was bad,' Van Dijk said.
'This can’t happen. You play for your honour today. I feel ashamed.'
It was a disappointing end to an underwhelming season for the Dutchman, but Van Dijk will return for pre-season training at Liverpool next month aiming to turn his and the club's fortunes around as they look to close the gap to champions Manchester City.
Toudemoy
1
Just a couple of good seasons they hyped and compared him with the greats. He’s just a little miles better than smalling. We saw good leadership from the likes of Terry, Vidic, Kompany, Ferdinand. These were the guys they compared him with, just so embarrassing. Ruben Dias is even a better leader and defender than Virgil.
Same as you guys thought maguire will be same as Van Dijk
Emmasundayudo
0
Just a couple of good seasons they hyped and compared him with the greats. He’s just a little miles better than smalling. We saw good leadership from the likes of Terry, Vidic, Kompany, Ferdinand. These were the guys they compared him with, just so embarrassing. Ruben Dias is even a better leader and defender than Virgil.
Go and have a seat and take your medics. stop criticizing what you don't understand
Emmasundayudo
0
I remember when they said he was better than the likes of Terry, Ferdinand, Vidic and Co...I laughed then I'm laughing now the thruth always comes out in end🤣🤣🤣🤣
I can see you are in pains over another man's problem. keep laughing.
betaiortu
0
Your team has a last-minute free-kick, who do you want to take it 🤔
[image]
David Beckham
Juniorpope
0
You are right, dude has nothing on his head at all
Lobbkpry
1
He is useless, imagine going to stand at number 9 position
Losbcekmpz
0
now who were those saying Van Dijk was better than Rio Ferdinand and Vidic
2 to 3 seasons wonder, Liverpool fans must come to reality Van Dijk is finished
yumceikmnz
1
trAnsfer lieve lnnn
Vabbeklnpz
1
now who were those saying Van Dijk was better than Rio Ferdinand and Vidic
whether u like it or not,he won pfa player of the year,UEFA player of the year and runner up in balon d or,let those greats bring their own awards period.
Ishaqjidayi07
0
Dias of better then this guy in all area
Yes because he trash ur so called Benzema vini and Rodrygo that’s why u can realize that than everyone🤣💔
skychilee
7
A captain or a leader on the pitch is someone who should have a clear head, following the game plan and structure laid down by the coach and to remind teammates the correct positions that they should be in. Frankly, we always saw VVD doing all those and cheering up his teammates during the matches. To a larger extent, it is the duty and responsibility of the coach, no matter good or bad the team performed, as what the team acted were totally according to his plan and instruction. Should any player, including the captain,performing not up to the standard can be replaced, should he think that the players were performed not up to his requirement. A player might have up and down during the match or the season, but to blame on his for losing the game was a bit too hardship. It seems more like you guys just don’t want to criticise your then national teammates who are now coach of the national team. Not fair.
Nueaeklmst
1
Gullit should keep his silly opinions to himself.
Schlembeckler
2
True
Cody01
0
I remember when they said he was better than the likes of Terry, Ferdinand, Vidic and Co...I laughed then I'm laughing now the thruth always comes out in end🤣🤣🤣🤣
VVD is a good defender but not a good leader. But Terry, Ferd, Vidic, Company were both good defenders and leaders.
Ishaqjidayi07
0
Dias of better then this guy in all area
Recently ryt but not their whole career even in United u have never produce a 2nd balon d’or nominees defender just keep quiet bro u don’t make sense
Cody01
0
so if you dont have leadership skills you are not a good player???
No. You can be a good player but not a good leader. And you can be decent player but a good leader. And you can both.
roslmnsty
0
I remember when they said he was better than the likes of Terry, Ferdinand, Vidic and Co...I laughed then I'm laughing now the thruth always comes out in end🤣🤣🤣🤣
roslmnsty
1
so if you dont have leadership skills you are not a good player???
@kaycabelo, I thought the same thing 🤣🤣🤣
Yorokiri
3
They almost hyped Ballon da or on him, thank God he did win it then..
Yorokiri
0
Just a couple of good seasons they hyped and compared him with the greats. He’s just a little miles better than smalling. We saw good leadership from the likes of Terry, Vidic, Kompany, Ferdinand. These were the guys they compared him with, just so embarrassing. Ruben Dias is even a better leader and defender than Virgil.
spot on
Vini-Jnr-fan
0
U ‘re a liar stop selfishness d I just an unform moment for VVD, what VVD does in football will never be repeated in man city defense history
Diaz is better than Van dijk and it's a fact.
lehabcpstu
4
Had 2 good seasons with Liverpool and now he has been found out. He still shows his defending capabilities once in a while but other times, he is just a lazy, useless, full of excuses, defender these days
Kaycabelo
1
so if you dont have leadership skills you are not a good player???
If that is how you understand that article.. then you need to see a doctor
Isaaci-zoh
0
[image]
it's funny
ciecikuz
1
so if you dont have leadership skills you are not a good player???
diddmnrsz
0
Your team has a last-minute free-kick, who do you want to take it 🤔
[image]
cr7 can't score the last minute free-kick maybe a penalty no doubt..in present day football I would rather give Taa , Madison even mahrez and Messi on his lucky day
Davidjames10
4
Just a couple of good seasons they hyped and compared him with the greats. He’s just a little miles better than smalling. We saw good leadership from the likes of Terry, Vidic, Kompany, Ferdinand. These were the guys they compared him with, just so embarrassing. Ruben Dias is even a better leader and defender than Virgil.
JamesCallagher
0
[image]
not funny 😒
JamesCallagher
0
Your team has a last-minute free-kick, who do you want to take it 🤔
[image]
I don't know why you hide in Barcelona badge,are you afraid of using your real badge to post all this non related nonsense
Ishaqjidayi07
0
Dias of better then this guy in all area
U ‘re a liar stop selfishness d I just an unform moment for VVD, what VVD does in football will never be repeated in man city defense history
AresSon
4
I agree dude isnt a captain few great examples are Sergio Ramos and Puyol both would've given everything and anything for the club this guy is just another player in the squad nobody really cares what he says.
Richard65732g
0
loik at thus ppl. so how many cup did ur vidic and ferdinand won for their country?
Am ready for them today does goat that call them self Man U fans
Richard65732g
0
loik at thus ppl. so how many cup did ur vidic and ferdinand won for their country?
Ask them bro
lakexyd
0
now who were those saying Van Dijk was better than Rio Ferdinand and Vidic
loik at thus ppl. so how many cup did ur vidic and ferdinand won for their country?
SakibRahi
5
When the GOAT midfielder is saying this then that is right.
ARTILLERYBN77
0
Your team has a last-minute free-kick, who do you want to take it 🤔
[image]
juninho the Brazilian Maestro
wuacmprtuy
2
True what Gullit said but he forgot to add that VVD has also lost his defensive skills !
vueeikopsu
0
Like Maguire…..you know those defenders but doesn’t waste time to concede 7:0..be guided
VVD conceded 7 goals against Aston Villa
LEYPAA
4
Don't ever compare him to vidic again. it's a crime
Losbcekmpz
1
now who were those saying Van Dijk was better than Rio Ferdinand and Vidic
To be honest Van Dijk was 2 to 3 season wonder he can never be compared to those two legends
Joecnpty
0
İ could name 50 defenders better than VVD
Like Maguire…..you know those defenders but doesn’t waste time to concede 7:0..be guided
wehbdeilpy
0
This guy is not enough like a leadership
wehbdeilpy
0
He his better than all your family members that why you talk about him always big fool
Mad man talk
Manutdmyheart❤️
1
now who were those saying Van Dijk was better than Rio Ferdinand and Vidic
He cant even smell their fart 🤣🤣🤣
Shmonny
2
Your team has a last-minute free-kick, who do you want to take it 🤔
Pekbdmpst
0
Haters will hate Guy is best CB on form
yonailmpr
5
Dias of better then this guy in all area
Richard65732g
0
now who were those saying Van Dijk was better than Rio Ferdinand and Vidic
He his better than all your family members that why you talk about him always big fool
ElNani17
2
now who were those saying Van Dijk was better than Rio Ferdinand and Vidic
İ could name 50 defenders better than VVD
Losbcekmpz
2
now who were those saying Van Dijk was better than Rio Ferdinand and Vidic