Dutch media reacts to Van Dijk performance in Netherlands v Spain – ‘Nuisance’
Liverpool captain Virgil Van Dijk failed to lead the Netherlands to the Nations League semi-final on Sunday (23 March).
It has been a torrid time for the 33-year-old lately as Liverpool crashed out of the Champions League and then lost against Newcastle United in the EFL Cup final, with what looked like a genuine possibility of a treble now off the cards, though Premier League glory looks certain.
Unfortunately for the Netherlands, Van Dijk wasn’t able to put his recent streak of bad luck behind him when they lined up against Spain in the Nations League quarter-final.
The two European powerhouses battled out a six-goal thriller at the Mestalla, with Ronald Koeman’s men coming back from behind three times to force the game to a penalty shoot-out.
Memphis Depay, Ian Maatsen, and Xavi Simmons all got on the scoresheet for the Netherlands, but they ultimately fell short on penalties.
Van Dijk managed to score his spot-kick, but Donyell Malen and Noa Lang ended up missing their respective efforts, which saw them crash out.
Virgil Van Dijk was solid, but not dominant against Spain
Van Dijk played the entire 120 minutes and was involved in the penalty shoot-out as he wore the captain’s armband proudly and showcased his leadership skills.
The Liverpool star had a busy game but was unable to assert his dominance in all areas as he lost every ground duel he was involved in.
| Match Stats | Van Dijk |
| Aerial Duels Won | 2/3 (67%) |
| Recoveries | 1 |
| Clearances | 8 |
| Blocks | 2 |
Voetbal Primeur (23 March) gave Van Dijk a 7/10 rating, stating: “Oyarzabal, who liked to act on the edge of offside, was a nuisance for Van Dijk in the first quarter of the match. The captain did not get into much trouble after that and organized the Dutch team wonderfully, although that same Oyarzabal also struck after the break.”
Sportnieuws also issued the experienced centre-back a 7/10, with only Maatsen (7.5) being provided with a higher rating than him.
Virgil Van Dijk’s Liverpool future remains unclear
Netherlands fans might know that they can rely on their captain to be available regularly, but the same cannot be said for the Liverpool faithful as there remain significant question marks over his future.
The centre-back is out of contract at Anfield at the end of this season, and while he might wrap up his unforgettable time on Merseyside with the Premier League title, it will leave a significant hole in Arne Slot’s back line.
Van Dijk was controversially spotted talking to PSG chiefs in the tunnel after their Champions League defeat against the French outfit, which many fans took as a sign that he’s already got his bags packed.
Meanwhile, Liverpool have reportedly turned their attention to signing Ajax defender Jorrel Hato as a possible replacement for him.