Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has launched a strong rebuke against Rafael van der Vaart, criticizing the former Netherlands international for his comments regarding Virgil van Dijk’s performance at the 2026 World Cup. Van Dijk, 34, is currently representing the Netherlands at the tournament co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Van der Vaart, known for his outspoken punditry, made headlines with his assessment of Van Dijk’s mobility following the Netherlands’ opening Group F match against Japan. Speaking on NOS TV between the first and second group games, Van der Vaart did not mince words.
“I have to be honest: I was quite shocked by Van Dijk,” Van der Vaart stated, as reported by the Daily Mail. “With him, I thought: that doesn’t look good. Especially while turning. It is proving very difficult. A bit like a Boeing 747 turning. I hope he starts turning a bit faster during the tournament.”
Klopp dismisses pundit’s credibility
Klopp, Van Dijk’s club manager, wasted no time in dismissing Van der Vaart’s critique, questioning the pundit’s overall credibility. The German manager suggested that Van der Vaart’s comments often prioritize dramatic phrasing over genuine insight.
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“I’m not entirely sure if it’s worth mentioning Van der Vaart,” Klopp said when addressing the comments. “But if he ever says something positive about any player at some point, then I’ll be happy to take him seriously again. You get the feeling he sees something, and then it has to be formulated in a flowery way, and then he’s really against it. But that way it’s really not important.”
Van Dijk’s World Cup journey continues
Despite the criticism, Van Dijk has been a central figure for Ronald Koeman’s Netherlands side. The Liverpool star was included in the 26-man squad and started their tournament opener against Japan, where he scored in a 2-2 draw. He also started the Netherlands’ second group game against Sweden on Saturday afternoon, a match they won convincingly 5-1.
During the clash with Sweden, Van Dijk suffered an injury scare, collapsing to the ground after a challenge. However, he was able to shake off the knock and continue playing, providing an update to NOS TV after the match, as reported by Goal.
“I took a hard hit to my hip and I couldn’t feel my upper leg anymore, so that was a little bit crazy,” Van Dijk explained. “But it was probably just a pinched nerve. I think it is not too bad, but we will see shortly.”
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The Netherlands currently top Group F with four points from their opening two games. They are set to play their final group stage match against Tunisia on Thursday, June 25, as they look to secure passage to the knockout rounds.
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