Virgil van Dijk showed exactly why he remains one of football’s most respected leaders, even after an unconvincing international display.
The Netherlands recorded a 4–0 victory over Malta in World Cup qualifying, but Ronald Koeman’s side’s performance was far from dominant.
Van Dijk makes blunt judgment after routine Dutch victory
Virgil van Dijk kept his assessment short and sharp after the match.
“We have done our duty” the 34-year-old said when asked NOS Football to summarize the night in Ta’Qali.
It was a typically reasoned response from the Liverpool captain, who refused to exaggerate a result that looked more comfortable on paper than it did on the pitch.
He had the same tough mentality after the Dutch victory against Lithuania, where it was clear that our captain knows that if his country wants any success at the World Cup, performances will have to improve.
An early error from the Dutch defender almost gave Malta a shock lead, but the hosts failed to capitalize and Liverpool striker Cody Gakpo took full advantage – converting two penalties to ease the pressure.
The Dutch improved after the break, with Tijjani Reijnders and Memphis Depay completing the score, but Van Dijk made it clear that the bar must remain high.
‘The pace was too slow in the first half’ he admitted. “In the second half you pull back and win easily. But you shouldn’t underestimate how difficult it is to play polished football through the middle.”
It was another reminder of the mentality that defines him at club level: always demanding, never satisfied – even after a comfortable victory.
Liverpool’s influence grows as Gakpo re-emerges
While Van Dijk set the tone with his leadership, it was Gakpo who provided the decisive moments in front of goal.
His support from the spot continued his strong form for his country, something that was noted during the last international break.
For Van Dijk, however, the message was clear. The job is done, but there is still much to improve.
You can watch Slot’s post-Chelsea press conference via Kingdom of the Kop on YouTube:
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