Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk is under increasing scrutiny as his club experiences a troubling period, with reports suggesting his position in the Netherlands national team could be at risk. Following a disappointing run, where Liverpool has lost six of its last seven matches across all competitions, questions are being raised about Van Dijk’s form and leadership ahead of the upcoming 2026 World Cup.
The centre-back, who is currently ranked third in FourFourTwo‘s list of the best Premier League defenders of all time, has faced criticism for not replicating his club success on the international stage. Dutch football journalist Henk Spaan has pointed out that with the emergence of players like Matthijs de Ligt of Manchester United and Jurien Timber from Arsenal, Van Dijk may find himself lower in the pecking order for the national team as they prepare for the tournament.
Van Dijk has captained the Netherlands since 2018 but has often been criticized for his performances in international matches. As the national team gears up for their next qualifying fixture against Poland in two weeks, Spaan’s comments underscore the urgency for Van Dijk to regain his top form. The Dutch team has maintained a strong defensive record in the qualifiers, securing five clean sheets in their last six matches.
Spaan, known for his critical stance toward Van Dijk, has been vocal in advocating for his exclusion from the national team, particularly during significant matches. He previously called for Van Dijk to be dropped for the Netherlands’ semi-final against England at Euro 2024. This latest critique follows a similar pattern, as Spaan stated, “England is buzzing about Timber and De Ligt,” indicating that both players are making strong cases for inclusion in the national squad.
The growing concerns surrounding Van Dijk’s form are reflected in Liverpool’s overall defensive struggles this season. The team has only achieved two clean sheets, one of which was against Burnley, a result that many consider less impressive. Analysts, including those from FourFourTwo, note that Van Dijk’s decline has been gradual, particularly following a serious knee injury that sidelined him for much of the 2020/21 season.
With the World Cup just seven months away, the pressure on Van Dijk intensifies. While the tournament’s proximity makes it challenging for Ronald Koeman, the Netherlands national team coach, to drop one of his most experienced players, the need for high performance is critical. As Spaan pointed out, “Timber and De Ligt are keeping a close eye on Virgil’s form,” signaling that any further decline could jeopardize his position.
The situation remains fluid, with Van Dijk having ample opportunities to improve his performance as Liverpool navigates the remainder of the season. The upcoming matches will be crucial, not only for the club’s standing but also for his aspirations of leading the Netherlands into the World Cup. As the football community watches closely, the coming weeks will determine if Van Dijk can reclaim his status as one of the elite defenders in the game.
