Footballing legend Marco Van Basten has criticised Virgil Van Dijk of Liverpool for his performances for the Netherlands during the international break.

As well as the quality of his performances, Van Basten was also scathing in his criticism of Van Dijk’s leadership, too. Speaking to Dutch outlet VI, Van Basten said [translated from Dutch]: “He is not clear. A good captain thinks aloud, makes it clear what is going on. He stays in between. He creates chaos. That leads to misunderstandings. That is what you, as a captain, must prevent.

“In the dressing room he is good, football tactically and technically, not. You need another gentleman on the field. This has nothing to do with that injury, this has to do with leadership. He makes noise, but he says nothing. That’s true. This is in you. This is wanting to win at all costs.”

Van Dijk has been somewhat below par during the international break for the Netherlands. Against France, where the Dutch were beaten by a score of 4-0, the entire team underperformed. However, as captain, Van Dijk must shoulder some of the blame for their mental collapse.

The towering Dutchman was given a torrid evening by France’s lightning-quick counterattacks. At 31 years of age, he is not as quick as he used to be – something that the French were keen to exploit.

Van Dijk is by no means ‘past it’ – but he may need to adapt his playing style in order to preserve his longevity as a professional footballer.