The Dutch legend holds Liverpool's captain to a higher level than others and also explains how to get the best out of Cody Gakpo
Ruud Gullit admits he holds Liverpool and Netherlands skipper Virgil van Dijk to higher standards
Ruud Gullit admits he holds Liverpool and Netherlands skipper Virgil van Dijk to higher standards
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Ruud Gullit insists that any criticism he has aimed at compatriot Virgil van Dijk is purely because the Liverpool and Netherlands captain sets the standards for defending in the sport.
And the Dutch football legend believes Van Dijk can still be hugely important for the Reds this season, even though the club has started to bring in younger centre-backs that will eventually replace him.
The 35-year-old has spent nine trophy-laden seasons at Anfield, establishing himself as one of the elite defenders in world football in the process, and he was one of the stand-out performers for Liverpool in what was an underwhelming campaign just gone and was an ever-present in the Premier League.
But Van Dijk came in for some criticism, particularly on international duty with Euro '88-winning Netherlands skipper Gullit among his detractors.
But the former AC Milan great claims that is primarily because of the high levels expected from the centre-back every time he steps onto the pitch.
Speaking about the Reds' No.4 in conversation with NY Sports Day, Gullit said: "It comes down to physical condition. Liverpool have already started bringing in younger central defenders for the future transition.
"If Virgil is in peak condition, his experience makes him an incredible asset. But for the national team recently, errors slipped in – getting caught under headers or allowing sharp goalscorers space inside the box.
"I've been more critical of Virgil than most analysts, not out of malice, but precisely because he is the standard-bearer. You don't waste critical energy on fringe players; you hold elite players accountable to maintain their level.
"Modern players can be overly sensitive to criticism, but top-level football brings intense scrutiny. When you are the biggest tree, you catch the most wind.
"I want to see him back at his absolute peak for Liverpool, because a fully fit Van Dijk transforms that entire defence."
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Van Dijk's experience will be vital for Andoni Iraola this season, with young centre-backs Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni operating under his wing.
At the other end of the pitch, forward Cody Gakpo faces stiff competition for his place with the arrival of Victor Munoz from Osasuna and the well-documented pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain's Bradley Barcola, not to mention rising star Rio Ngumoha.
But Gullit holds his fellow countryman in high regard and insists that he only needs a regular run in a first team to show just how valuable he is.
On Gakpo, the 63-year-old said: "His main issue has been consistency of minutes – in one week, out the next. I still rate him highly; during their title-winning campaign, he was superb. Several attackers struggled for rhythm following recruitment shifts, including Mohamed Salah at times.
"Gakpo needs a manager who shows complete faith in him and grants him the freedom to make mistakes without an immediate benching. When he plays with confidence, he has proven how impactful he is for Liverpool."