Virgil van Dijk has hit back at Dutch journalist Valentijn Driessen after being confronted with questions about the Netherlands’ disappointing World Cup campaign.
The Liverpool captain was speaking ahead of the Netherlands’ UEFA Nations League clash with Germany when the conversation quickly became tense.
Van Dijk was asked about criticism surrounding the team’s World Cup performance, including claims that he was involved in the decision to switch to a back five.
The 35-year-old immediately rejected the accusation, branding it “utter nonsense.”
“It’s easy to say in hindsight: ‘We should have done this differently’ or ‘We should have done that differently’,” Van Dijk said.
“One of your colleagues also said it was my idea to switch to playing with a back five. That is utter nonsense. The fact is we simply failed at the World Cup; those are the hard facts.”
The exchange became even more heated when Driessen suggested that criticism from the media was still getting under Van Dijk’s skin.
The Liverpool defender responded firmly, insisting that he has no problem with journalists but will defend himself when he believes inaccurate claims are being circulated.
“I’ve never had anything against the media, but when nonsense is being sent out there…”
Van Dijk also pushed back against the suggestion that he had damaged Dutch football following the tournament.
“It’s not about me. You perform together; you’re a team,” he said. “Your claim that I destroyed Dutch football after the World Cup – that sort of thing is completely baseless.”
The Liverpool skipper now has the perfect opportunity to answer his critics on the pitch.
Van Dijk has made an impressive start to the new season at club level, helping Liverpool record three consecutive Premier League clean sheets alongside centre-back partner Jeremy Jacquet.
With Germany next up for the Netherlands, all eyes will be on the Liverpool captain to see whether he can carry that form into international duty.
For Van Dijk, his response to the criticism could now be settled where he prefers – on the football pitch.
