Over the international break, Virgil Van Dijk was captaining the Netherlands during their Euro qualifiers. However, things were not all sunshine and rainbows as one Dutch football journalist singled out Virgil with some stinging criticism.
The journalist in question is Johan Derksen and this is what he had to say via voetbalzone.nl;
“I’m getting very tired of that captain of the Netherlands. If there is a lack of performance, he uses all kinds of clichés to explain what went wrong.
“Can he still handle the level? No, he’s on his last legs. I never thought of him as a star. He looks good, but I don’t think he’s a very good defender. He was only strong in the air.”
While it is clear that 32-year old Van Dijk does not have the same physical prowess he used to. In particular not seen since a certain Everton goalie made a hash of things…but I digress. He is still one of the smartest defenders in the world and you will be hard pressed to find a better marshal for your defense.
There have been more cracks and defensive lapses that we have not been accustomed to, but that is by no means a sign that he is completely washed. Criticism for the top players in the game will always be there.
It’s when it gets taken to extreme levels without context that things get murky. Virgil received his red card against Newcastle because he was either not quick enough to cut off the run or because he did not recognize it in time. There is no denying that.
Yet, in that same mold he still commands a defense and has been the glue holding together a patchwork defensive unit for the last 18 months.
What is more concerning to me is that the club seems to think he has 5 years left at the top. I can’t see that which is why I have been banging the drum for defensive reinforcements.
Jarell Quansah has been a nice story, but he is not even close to stepping into shoes like that.
When you play at a club like Liverpool it’s impossible to escape criticism but Van Dijk has the opportunity to silence some of his naysayers with a strong few months here. He and Ibrahima Konate still form one of the better center-back pairings in the Premier League.
We can accept that he has more physical limitations today than he did 3 years ago. That’s what comes with age. He still brings so much to the table both on and off the pitch.
I believe he has at least 2 more years at the highest level in the sport. Once that time is up, the club will need to be ready with his heir apparent. Until then, listen to the criticism but don’t accept it. We still need Virgil to reach all of our goals.
Hopefully he silences his doubters both back home and abroad. That would only mean good things for Liverpool in the short-term.