Liverpool had 10 first-team players jet off to Germany to compete in Euro 2024 but it hasn’t gone to plan for all of them.
Trent Alexander-Arnold‘s experiment in the England side backfired and he was left out completely for their final group stage clash against Slovenia.
Andy Robertson has also not had an enjoyable Euros experience after his Scotland side crashed out of their group alongside a Hungary side featuring Dominik Szoboszlai.
Ryan Gravenberch, Cody Gakpo and Virgil van Dijk helped the Netherlands squeeze through to the knockout stages by finishing third in their group, and the latter has been put in the firing line by his national media.
The Netherlands are now set to face Romania in the round of 16 on Tuesday afternoon and pressure is on Van Dijk to improve on his poor display against Austria.
Virgil van Dijk responds to Euro 2024 criticism
Van Dijk is widely considered one of, if not the best, defenders in the Premier League but the defensive aura and leadership he brings to Anfield has not been carried over to his national side.
The 32-year-old looked shaky and overwhelmed at times against Austria, but he has soaked up the criticism and agreed that he must improve.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday morning, Van Dijk said: “We have spoken a lot in the last 48 hours and some harsh words have been spoken.
“I blame myself too. I’m not crazy, I know when things need to be improved. That’s what I’m working on. That is the basis for getting better.
“That is the responsibility I take now and that responsibility is very great, especially with the national team. And the criticism affects me.”
Virgil van Dijk must bounce back from ‘horrendous’ display
Van Dijk was branded “horrendous” by BBC pundit Thomas Hitzlsperger for his recent performance against Austria.
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He is now under pressure to turn things around for his national team with elimination now at stake.
Liverpool will rely on Van Dijk at the heart of their defence next season and Arne Slot will want his star centre-back to return to training full of confidence.
The post 'The criticism affects me'... Liverpool star hits back after being called 'horrendous' at Euro 2024 appeared first on HITC.
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