Netherlands legend Marco van Basten has torn into Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk for 'creating chaos' for the team in their 4-0 thrashing by France - as he questioned his leadership abilities.
The Dutch captain had a game to forget in the heart of defence during Ronald Koeman's first game back in charge of the team as Les Bleus ran riot in their Euro 2024 qualifier on Friday.
He fared better in their next game against lowly Gibraltar in a 3-0 win on Monday, but he did not escape the wrath of Van Basten, who believes he is not fit to wear the captain's armband because he does not communicate enough.
'He makes noise, but he doesn't say anything,' Van Basten told Ziggo Sport, via VI.
'He is not clear. A good captain thinks aloud, makes it clear what is going on. He stays in between. He creates chaos. That leads to misunderstandings. That is what you, as a captain, must prevent.
'In the dressing room he is good, football tactically and technically not. You need another gentleman on the field. This has nothing to do with that injury, this has to do with leadership. He makes noise, but he says nothing. That's true. This is in you. This is wanting to win at all costs.'
His fellow pundit Ruud Gullit - also a Dutch legend - backed up Van Basten's claims about Van Dijk, accusing the defender of arrogance
'It's walking backwards,' he said. 'In England they have already criticised him. He was selected for the world team of the year. He thinks he's better than the rest.
'We see things… Then I think, "you are captain, you have to solve this". But he's just commenting a little on what's happening in front of him.
'I don't know if he's doing it, but it doesn't look like he's speaking. He plays so safe. Come on now, you're so big and good. It is a positive criticism that we give. Isn't he the best? Then show it.'