Manchester City defender Nathan Ake has leapt to the defence of Virgil van Dijk following criticism aimed in the direction of the Liverpool centre-back.
Van Dijk came under scrutiny from Dutch icons Marco van Basten and Ruud Gullit, as well as ex-Feyenoord and AZ Alkmaar boss Gertjan Verbeek, after the Netherlands' 4-0 defeat by France last week.
Van Basten in particular has made a habit of publicly criticising the Reds' star man when in action for the national team, questioning his performance levels and capability as a captain.
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The Netherlands responded to their humiliation at the hands of Kylian Mbappe and Co by defeating Gibraltar 3-0 on Monday, providing Ronald Koeman's side with three points in their quest for European Championship qualification.
One player who lined up alongside Van Dijk for both of these fixtures, Ake, will be on the opposing side this weekend when Liverpool face Pep Guardiola's side at the Etihad Stadium.
The pair will put their friendship to one side of this game, as made clear by the Reds' No.4, but this has not stopped City's centre-back heaping praise on his compatriot.
"Virgil is a leader for Oranje and for Liverpool and what he has achieved is not nothing," said the 28-year-old. "He really is a great personality. Apparently people don't see how important Virgil is to us on and off the field. We couldn't wish for a better captain."
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