Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk scored for the Netherlands in the country's 2-2 draw with Japan at the World Cup on Sunday, but Dutch media criticized the defender's overall performance
Ben Crawford
12:07, 15 Jun 2026
Virgil van Dijk is facing criticism
Virgil van Dijk is facing criticism(Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk was labeled "sloppy" by Dutch media despite scoring as the Netherlands drew 2-2 with Japan at the World Cup.
Cody Gakpo also came under fire while Ryan Gravenberch escaped criticism. Group F began on Sunday, with the Dutch facing Japan in Dallas. Following a scoreless opening period, Van Dijk powered home a controversial header to put the Netherlands ahead.
It was Anfield colleague Gravenberch's delivery that he converted in the 51st minute, with Gakpo joining his teammates in celebration. However, moments later, Keito Nakamura's long-range strike found its way in. Gravenberch turned creator once more as West Ham's Crysencio Summerville notched the Netherlands' second.
But Van Dijk and his teammates were pulled level again when Koki Ogawa's header deflected off Daichi Kamada to ensure a share of the spoils. Despite his goal, captain Van Dijk faced some criticism from the Dutch press for his defensive display, as did Gakpo, while Gravenberch received praise.
AD
Assessing each player's performance in the stalemate, publication AD awarded Liverpool's Van Dijk a 6/10, but noted some first-half work that fell well short of expectations.
The report reads: "In the first half, he [Van Dijk] was sloppy in his passing and somewhat clumsy in defence, when [Ayase] Ueda briefly escaped his attention."
The Netherlands drew 1-1 with Japan on Sunday
The Netherlands drew 1-1 with Japan on Sunday(Image: Getty Images)
Gravenberch, meanwhile, was awarded a 7/10: "Gravenberch pulled the Netherlands out of a dead end. His good through ball to Summerville didn't result in a goal, but his well-placed cross to Van Dijk did. For 2-1, Gravenberch also acted as the provider."
His compatriot Gakpo received a 5.5/10: "The Netherlands' top scorer at recent major tournaments played a poor second half and a decent first. Gakpo initially barely got involved. After the break, he did have a few good actions, but the attacker could not (yet) shake off the tough year at Liverpool at the World Cup."
De Telegraaf
Liverpool's skipper fared no better in De Telegraaf's assessment.
The publication wrote: "The joy of Van Dijk's 13th goal ever for the Oranje was short-lived, as defending far too passively and Micky van de Ven 'forgetting' to step out and play the offside trap meant that Nakamura fired home seven minutes after the opening goal."
The outlet's head of soccer, Valentijn Driessen, was equally forthright in his assessment of Van Dijk's performance, stating: "Van Dijk denies everything. If I were Virgil van Dijk, the captain and leader of this whole affair, I would look at myself first.
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"He always blames someone else, while he himself is not blameless regarding that last goal from Japan. There is a lot of work to be done. Not only to win over the Dutch public, but also to go far in this tournament."
Gravenberch avoided similar criticism, though, with his contribution to the opening goal described as "an excellent cross."
The Dutchman was labelled "magnificent" for his involvement in the second strike, with the outlet suggesting he "came into his own" when deployed further forward. Gakpo largely flew under the radar.