Ruud Gullit doubles down on Virgil van Dijk's position following horrific "arrogant" attack
Virgil van Dijk and Frenkie de Jong have been criticised by Ruud Gullit, who accused the duo of failing to "measure up when necessary" after the Netherlands were defeated by Croatia and Italy.
After the Netherlands lost back-to-back Nations League games against Croatia and Italy, Dutch icon Ruud Gullit singled out Virgil van Dijk and Frenkie de Jong for criticism.
The Netherlands were defeated 4-2 by Croatia in the semi-finals before falling 3-2 to Italy in the third-place play-off, and Gullit has said Van Dijk and De Jong "lack leadership skills" and "do not measure up when necessary." Gullit lashed out in an editorial for the Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, saying, "I've been looking for arguments to defend [manager Ronald] Koeman and the internationals in the Nations League."
"After all, I was once a player, and you don't want this to happen in a big football event in your country." I can't defend Koeman and his teammates after such a fierce battle. Did you want to take a vacation?
"Despite the fact that they are idolized by some people in the Netherlands, often to loud applause, I find that these two key players fail to deliver when it is needed." They do not perform at the level expected of decisive world leaders. Van Dijk and De Jong, in my opinion, lack leadership qualities.
"In reality, I'm asking for something they don't have." They need to focus more on their own game. It's tough for a coach to work without leaders on the field, and Van Dijk and De Jong are meant to be those leaders."
Gullit has previously accused Van Dijk of being arrogant when the Netherlands were hammered 4-0 by France back in March. "It's walking backwards," Gullit pointed out. "In England, he has already been chastised.
"He was chosen for the year's world team." He believes he is superior than the others. We notice things... Then I thought to myself, "You are captain, you must solve this." But he's only making a passing reference to what's going on.
"I'm not sure if he's doing it, but he doesn't appear to be speaking." He always plays it safe. Come on, you're so huge and strong. We are offering constructive critique. Isn't he the greatest? Then display it."
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