Ruud Gullit has slammed Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk for his lack of leadership qualities while away on international duty with the Netherlands.
De Oranje were beaten by both Croatia and Italy in this month's UEFA Nations League finals, finishing in 4th position after two successive defeats. Some of Ronald Koeman's players have come under large-scale scrutiny, with Van Dijk and Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong lambasted in the days that followed.
Gullit, was extremely critical of some of his fellow countrymen's lack of leadership in big games, insisting that their level of performances as of late when putting on the famous orange jersey do not weigh up to the expectations that are placed up on them by so many.
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.
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“After a tremendous fight, I can’t defend Koeman and his players. Did you feel like going on vacation? 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.”
