Virgil van Dijk Questions Ridiculous Interrogation Over Salary Sacrifices

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has been very vocal about the issue of players being overplayed and the negative and prolonged impact it has on their fitness. Van Dijk is integral for Liverpool and his country and it is rare he is afforded a break, but some are led to believe the money players get paid mitigates any conversation on the topic. The Reds’ No. 4 was not accepting of this idea, though, after he made comments regarding the hectic English football schedule and how players “should start saying something.”

“In England we think the schedules are too busy. Players are well paid but this should never be to the detriment of our health,” Van Dijk said during a presser conference ahead of the Netherlands’ match against France. “We have to play more and more matches. As players we should start saying something, contribute to a solution.”

Van Dijk’s Comments Lead to Ridiculous Interrogation

Van Dijk’s comments led to a ridiculous line of questioning from journalist Valentijn Driessen, who asked the centre-back about sacrificing part of his salary for a quieter schedule. “No, I am not prepared to give up 10 percent,” Van Dijk replied, via Sportnieuws, on whether he wanted to give up part of his salary for playing fewer games. “I don’t think that should depend on my salary,” the defender added when pressed further. “You are now trying to get me to say something nice.”

It is quite bizarre that a player concerned about playing too many games and thus potentially shortening their career is pressed so insistently on how much money they are making. So, do they get a pay rise when more games get added to the schedule? We think not.

Player Welfare Should be the Priority

It takes away from the real issue at hand which is players picking up injuries more frequently to leave clubs and nations without options, and the product FIFA is intent on ‘selling’ reduces in quality as a result. Seemingly asking for better player welfare is a step too far, but it is something Jurgen Klopp has been speaking up for since time immemorial.

“There must be one meeting where they [FIFA, the Premier League, the FA] all talk to each other and the only subject should be the most important part of this game, the players,” Klopp said back in August.

Van Dijk is one of many players who have spoken out about the need for better player welfare and it is something that needs to be taken seriously by governing bodies in order to ensure the long-term health of players and the quality of football.

Conclusion

Virgil van Dijk’s comments about players being overplayed and its negative impact on their fitness led to a ridiculous interrogation over salary sacrifices. It is quite bizarre that a player concerned about playing too many games and thus potentially shortening their career is pressed so insistently on how much money they are making. Player welfare should be the priority and it is something that needs to be taken seriously by governing bodies in order to ensure the long-term health of players and the quality of football.