Ronald Koeman has suggested Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk could be dropped from his national team unless he improves.
31-year-old Liverpool defender Van Dijk has had one of the toughest seasons of his professional career.
The Dutch defender has come under scrutiny after a string of fouls for the Reds, who have struggled to maintain consistency this season and are currently seventh in the Premier League - nine points behind. with the first four.
Since returning to the squad in February following a hamstring injury, Van Dijk has been below average and has been overshadowed by centre-back Ibrahima Konate.
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He has also struggled on international duty since the World Cup in Qatar, playing in a 4-0 loss to France in their first Euro 2024 qualifier in March. Koman:
Van Dijk must be better
Netherlands coach Koeman, who led the national team after the World Cup, said Van Dijk must improve his form or else he will be disqualified.
"It would have to be better. We are well equipped with centre-backs," said former Everton manager Koeman.
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I always tell Virgil that 'you have to assume the player next to you is making a mistake.' Then you have to look at:
am i good? Am I correctly assessing the situation?
"And sometimes he has to come in a lot harder and shorter, but then he holds his position too much. I will also discuss this with Virgil.
"Obviously Virgil got injured. Knee injury, muscle injury, then a World Cup dispute in November... but I think his poor form also has something to do with the team he's in. playing."
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The Netherlands next face Croatia in the Nations League on June 14.
However, Van Dijk's immediate attention will be on Liverpool and their next game against West Ham.
The Red Devils marched to London Stadium on Wednesday night and really needed a win to keep their slim hopes of finishing in the top four and qualifying for next season's Champions League.
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