Rafael van der Vaart backtracks on his criticism of Virgil van Dijk, insisting the Netherlands and Liverpool captain remains one of the best defenders around
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JUNE 14: Virgil van Dijk #4 of Netherlands reacts after the 2-2 draw during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group F match between Netherlands and Japan at Dallas Stadium on June 14, 2026 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Maja Hitij - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
Virgil van Dijk has been in action at the World Cup(Image: Getty Images)
View Image
Rafael van der Vaart has backtracked on the Virgil van Dijk criticism that enraged Jurgen Klopp at the World Cup over the weekend.
Van der Vaart, in his analysis for Dutch broadcaster NOS, compared the Liverpool and Netherlands captain to a Boeing 747, which came before Ronald Koeman's side beat Sweden 5-1 on Saturday in Houston, Texas.
That comment caused Klopp, who signed Van Dijk for £75m from Southampton in 2018 before seeing him become one of most well-regarded centre-backs in Anfield history, to leap to his former captain's defence in his own role on German TV.
Klopp told Magenta: "If [Van der Vaart] ever says something positive about a player, I'm willing to take him seriously again."
And speaking in his AceOdds.com column, Van der Vaart has appeared to change his stance, insisting the 34-year-old defender remains one of the finest around.
"Van Dijk is still our leader," Van der Vaart said. "And I think he is performing well.
"He was one time turning a bit slow against Japan, but this is normal. He had a bad injury (ACL in October 2020) and a tough season at Liverpool.
"He is not getting younger, and for me it looks like he always tries to get the team to stay compact because that benefits him as a player.
"However, if we truly analyse him honestly, he is still one of the very, very best. Look at how easily Saibari outran Gabriel, who is considered in England the best centre-back.
"I was watching Saliba in the France game, and I saw quite a few mistakes. Compare Van Dijk with other centre backs, and it's clear that even at a so-so season, he is still elite.
"He is still our best defender. Without a doubt.
"He has been unfairly criticised by some in the Netherlands, but he is still our captain and our leader. But our nature is to criticise. One day you are the king, the next day you are s***."
Van der Vaart made the initial comment when discussing Netherlands' 2-2 draw with Japan in their opening game at the World Cup last week.
"I must honestly say that I was a bit shocked by Van Dijk," Van der Vaart, who was capped 109 times for Holland, said.
"That turning...It was a bit of a Boeing 747. I hope he will run a little faster during the tournament."
And in his own role at the World Cup on Saturday evening, Klopp, who was in Houston for the Dutch game, snapped back: "I don't know if it's worth naming Rafael van der Vaart at all.
"But if he ever says something positive about a player, I'm willing to take him seriously again.
"You have the feeling that he sees something, which then has to be expressed in a flowery way and then he goes against it. But it's not that important."