The Netherlands great evaluates the Liverpool skipper against more demanding benchmarks than other players and also outlines what brings out the best in forward Cody Gakpo
Ruud Gullit acknowledges he judges Anfield and Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk to stricter criteria than most
The Dutch football icon maintains his remarks about fellow Dutchman Virgil van Dijk stem solely from the fact the Liverpool and Oranje captain serves as the benchmark for defensive play in the game.
The Netherlands legend contends Van Dijk can remain hugely influential for the Merseyside club this campaign, despite the side beginning to sign younger centre-backs who will eventually take over from him.
The 35-year-old has enjoyed nine trophy-filled years at Anfield, cementing his status as one of the world’s premier defenders during that spell, and he was among Liverpool’s standout performers during an underwhelming season just finished while remaining ever-present in the top flight.
However, Van Dijk faced criticism, particularly during international duty, with Euro ’88-winning Netherlands captain Gullit among those questioning his recent displays.
Yet the former AC Milan legend insists this criticism stems primarily from the lofty standards demanded of the centre-back every time he takes to the field.
Discussing the Reds’ number four with NY Sports Day, Gullit stated that everything comes down to physical condition. Liverpool have already begun signing younger central defenders for the upcoming transition period.
If Van Dijk reaches peak fitness, his wealth of experience makes him an exceptional asset. However, during recent national team appearances, mistakes crept in such as losing aerial duels or granting dangerous forwards space inside the penalty area.
Gullit acknowledged he has scrutinised Van Dijk more harshly than most commentators, not out of ill will, but precisely because the Dutchman represents the gold standard. Fringe players warrant no significant critical energy; elite performers must be held to account to sustain their standards.
Contemporary players can react too sensitively to critique, yet top-tier football invites intense scrutiny. When you stand tallest, you endure the strongest gusts.
Gullit expressed his desire to witness Van Dijk return to his absolute best for Liverpool, as a fully fit Van Dijk elevates the entire backline.
Van Dijk’s know-how will prove crucial for Andoni Iraola this term, with youthful centre-backs Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni developing under his mentorship.
At the opposite end of the pitch, attacker Cody Gakpo confronts fierce competition for his role following Victor Munoz’s arrival from Osasuna and the well-documented pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola, not to mention emerging talent Rio Ngumoha.
Yet Gullit regards his fellow Dutchman highly and maintains Gakpo merely requires consistent first-team opportunities to demonstrate his true worth.
On Gakpo, the 63-year-old noted his primary difficulty has been inconsistent game time, featuring one week then absent the next. Gullit still rates him highly; during Liverpool’s title-winning season, he excelled. Multiple forwards struggled for form after recruitment changes, with Mohamed Salah among those affected at times.
Gakpo requires a manager who places complete trust in him and allows him the latitude to err without immediate removal from the starting eleven. When operating with assurance, he has proven remarkably effective for Liverpool.