Ballon d'Or legend SAVAGES Van Dijk after Netherlands' Euro 2024 poor show against Austria
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk is being severely criticised in the Dutch media following The Netherlands’ 3-2 Euro 2024 group stage defeat to Austria on Tuesday.
The Dutch couldn’t keep up with Ralf Rangnick’s side despite goals from Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo and Memphis Depay.
A Donyell Malen own goal set Austria on their way with Romano Schmid also scoring before Marcel Sabitzer netted the winner with 10 minutes to play.
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The result left the Oranje languishing in THIRD place in the Group D standings, however, Ronald Koeman’s team will still make it to the last 16.
Austria, for their part, top the group ahead of France and The Netherlands after Les Bleus were held to a 1-1 draw by already-eliminated Poland.
Van Dijk, 32, found himself far too deep in the defensive line for Sabitzer’s goal allowing the ex-Manchester United man to slot home a shock winner.
Van Basten tears into Van Dijk
The Liverpool skipper has subsequently been savaged in the Dutch media for his performance with Ballon d’Or legend Marco van Basten sticking the boot in on television channel NOS.
The ex-AC Milan striker believes Van Dijk’s passing hasn’t been up to par and also questioned the captain’s leadership skills.
“It is very important, especially from the back, that you have to play through people with passing and not just pass the ball,” Van Basten told NOS.
“If you have the ball in defence and that doesn't work, you will be under pressure in midfield and not free up front. That's where the problem starts.
“Van Dijk is the captain, he has to lead. He is also the one we ultimately address as the great leader of the team. Then you also know that you have to organise these kinds of things better.
“Did my earlier criticism lead to improvement? No, unfortunately not. In fact, the same things are still not going well.
“He cancelled out the offside. Sabitzer runs away from Jerdy Schouten's back, which is also not allowed in principle."
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