Virgil Van Djik has been the long term captain of the Netherlands football team. Having captained in 66 matches, he is just three shy of Frank de Boer’s record. However a Dutch legend thinks the defender lacks behind in on-field leadership.
Under Djik’s captaincy the side has reached the Semi-finals of the UEFA European Championship as well as the Quarters of the FIFA World Cup. The 34-year old also happens to be the Liverpool club captain. A captain who has led the team to numerous titles.
Despite his achievements, another Dutch supremo feels he doesn’t ‘drive the team forward’.
Quiz: Name the team Liverpool signed these players from in the 2010s
Van Djik slammed by Dutch legend
Marco Van Basten is not a fan of Van Djik’s leadership skills (Credits: Imago Images)
Marco Van Basten belonged to the golden generation of Dutch football. The Oranje’s only international title came at the 1988 UEFA European Championship. Basten top scored with five goals including one in the final against the Soviet Union.
Thus, it came as shock to many when Basten criticised Djik for a perceived lack of leadership on the field. Speaking after Netherlands World Cup qualifying wins over Malta and Finland, the former striker said, “I think Van Dijk should be the leader.”
“He should lead by example and be the driving force. I miss that in him. I find his mentality easy to handle.”, questioning his mental fortitude.
Arne Slot needs to teach Djik
The rant did not end there. Basten felt Djik needs to learn on how to be a better leader of men. Although he did praise the player’s abilities as a defender.
“He’s a fantastic player, perhaps the best defender we have in the world. He can head the ball, he’s quick, he’s tall, and he has a good overview.”, acknowledging his defensive capabilities.
But on the leadership front he assigned Liverpool manager Arne Slot with a task, “He’s just not the leader who drives the team forward. That would be very beneficial for the team. I hope Arne Slot can teach him that.”
Although this is not the first time Van Basten has had issues with the Liverpool man. In 2023 he had described Van Djik as someone who ‘makes noise, but he doesn’t say anything’ in regards to his captaincy.
