Dutch legend Ruud Gullit has singled out Virgil van Dijk and Frenkie de Jong for criticism after the Netherlands lost back-to-back Nations League games against Croatia and Italy.
The Netherlands were beaten 4-2 by Croatia in the semi-final, before losing the third-placed play-off 3-2 to Italy and Gullit has claimed Van Dijk and De Jong "don't have leadership skills" and "do not measure up when necessary". In a column for Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, Gullit fumed: "I have been looking for arguments to defend [manager Ronald] Koeman and the internationals in the Nations League.
"After all, I have also been a player and you do not like this to happen in a big football event organised in your country. After a tremendous fight, I can't defend Koeman and his players. Did you feel like going on vacation?
"Despite the fact that they are idolised by some people in the Netherlands, often to loud applause, I find that these two important players do not measure up when necessary. They do not reach the level that can be required of them as decisive international leaders. I think Van Dijk and De Jong don't have leadership skills.
"Actually, I'm asking them for something they don't have. They need more attention to their own game. It's difficult for a coach to work without leaders on the pitch and it's supposed to be that Van Dijk and De Jong should be those leaders."
It is not the first time Gullit has laid into Van Dijk, having previously accused him of being arrogant after the Netherlands were thrashed 4-0 by France back in March. "It's walking backwards," Gullit said. "In England they have already criticised him.
"He was selected for the world team of the year. He thinks he's better than the rest. We see things… Then I think, 'you are captain, you have to solve this'. But he's just commenting a little on what's happening in front of him.
"I don't know if he's doing it, but it doesn't look like he's speaking. He plays so safe. Come on now, you're so big and good. It is a positive criticism that we give. Isn't he the best? Then show it."
However, Van Dijk hit back at the criticism at the time, telling Dutch broadcaster Ziggo Sport: "This is of no use to me. Everyone is allowed to have their own opinion these days, that's the case. [But] did I set the bar unrealistically high? How is that possible?
"It was never perfect – constant is the right word. We've had a lot of success with the team. Football players, they know that better than anyone, have high peaks and deep valley. It's quite normal that you can't always play consistently. That you have a phase as a club or player where you are looking for your level.
"People should not forget that. It is normal that people make mistakes, that it is part of football and that it is very human. Regardless of who gets a platform and is allowed to say what, so that things are made big."
