Ruud Gullit, the former Chelsea boss and Netherlands legend, has criticised Virgil van Dijk and Frenkie de Jong for their lack of leadership qualities following the recent defeats to Croatia and Italy in the Nations League. The Euro 1988 winner has hit out at the Dutch duo, stating that they do not measure up when necessary and lack the level of leadership required of them as decisive international leaders.
Defensive frailties were on show in the two matches, with Netherlands’ senior players criticised for not turning up. Gullit, who has been no stranger to lambasting Van Dijk in the past, once again took aim at the Liverpool centre-back – along with Barcelona midfielder De Jong. Writing for De Telegraaf, the AC Milan icon said: “I have been looking for arguments to defend 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.”
Gullit continued: “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.”
Van Dijk is widely regarded as one of the best defenders in the world and has been instrumental in Liverpool’s recent success. However, Gullit’s comments suggest that he may not be as effective at the international level. De Jong, on the other hand, is still relatively young and has only recently joined Barcelona. It remains to be seen whether he can develop into the type of leader that Gullit believes he lacks.
The Netherlands’ recent performances in the Nations League have been disappointing, and Gullit’s comments are likely to add to the pressure on manager Ronald Koeman. The Dutchman has been in charge of the national team since 2018 and has overseen a period of rebuilding following their failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.
Koeman will be hoping that his team can bounce back from their recent defeats and show the kind of leadership that Gullit believes they lack. The Netherlands have a talented squad, and if they can find a way to perform at their best, they could be a force to be reckoned with in international football.
In conclusion, Ruud Gullit’s scathing attack on Virgil van Dijk and Frenkie de Jong has highlighted the importance of leadership in international football. The Netherlands’ recent performances have been disappointing, and Gullit’s comments suggest that the team lacks the kind of leaders that are required to succeed at the highest level. It remains to be seen whether Koeman can find a way to inspire his players and turn their fortunes around.