Virgil van Dijk, captain of the Netherlands and Liverpool, has been accused by local media of contributing to the national team's "ruin" and told his "time is up" following their World Cup elimination. The Netherlands' exit at the hands of Morocco in a penalty shootout has led to sharp criticism of the team's ultra-defensive approach and leadership.
Journalist Valentijn Driessen of De Telegraaf wrote that the team's presentation to the world was "a great disgrace," characterized by a lack of initiative and an excessive focus on defense. Driessen stated that manager Ronald Koeman and Van Dijk "betrayed everything our national football stands for." The article further suggests that Van Dijk's defensive organization was inadequate throughout the tournament, and that surrounding him with additional defenders only worsened the situation.
The criticism extended to manager Ronald Koeman, who was described as having "failed terribly." Driessen noted Koeman's tactical shifts and lineup changes in the lead-up to the knockout match against Morocco as evidence of his inability to manage the team effectively. The KNVB (Dutch FA) was urged to part ways with Koeman before the team's return to the Netherlands, citing a lack of victories against top-25 countries over the past four years.
Driessen concluded that a "breath of fresh air and a fresh start" is needed for the Dutch national team, implying that both Koeman and Van Dijk should depart.