Virgil van Dijk and Ryan Gravenberch helped the Netherlands rescue a draw against Greece, but the Dutch media wasn't too impressed with one of the Liverpool duo
THESSALONIKI, GREECE - OCTOBER 1: Virgil van Dijk of Holland celebrates 2-1 with Joey Veerman of Holland, Ryan Gravenberch of Holland during the UEFA Nations league match between Greece v Holland at the Toumba Stadium on October 1, 2026 in Thessaloniki Greece (Photo by Roy Lazet/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Virgil van Dijk and Ryan Gravenberch both played as the Netherlands rescued a draw against Greece(Image: Getty Images)
Virgil van Dijk received mixed reviews from the Dutch media despite helping the Netherlands rescue a point against Greece, while there are more positive signs for Ryan Gravenberch amid his difficult start to the season at Liverpool.
The pair both featured once again for their country as the Netherlands came from 2-0 down to earn a 2-2 draw against Greece. Van Dijk started as he came up against Reds teammate Kostas Tsimikas, while Gravenberch was called upon from the bench at the break.
Liverpool’s captain began the comeback just before the hour mark as he headed home to make it 2-1 after first-half goals from Fotis Ioannidis and Giorgos Masouras, with Tijjani Reijnders completing the turnaround late on.
Although he played a big role in his side rescuing a point in the Nations League, Van Dijk has come in for some criticism from the Dutch media.
Voetbal Primeur gave the Reds’ captain a rating of 5.5 for his performance, and although only two starters were granted a higher mark, it was far from a glowing review for the 35-year-old.
“In his 99th international match, Van Dijk failed to do everything possible to prevent the opening goal,” the outlet remarked.
Google Preferred Source Badge
Google Preferred Source Badge
Netherlands defender Virgil van Dijk during the UEFA Nations League match between Greece and Netherlands at Toumba Stadium in Thessaloniki, Greece, on October 1, 2026. (Photo by Stefan Koops/EYE4IMAGES/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Reviews were mixed for Virgil van Dijk's performance against Greece(Image: Getty Images)
“In any case, defensive organization was nowhere to be found before half-time, which can also be held against him as captain. He did, however, head in the 2-1 strongly.”
Gravenberch’s performance off the bench was received more warmly, with the midfielder handed a rating of six, which was only bettered by fellow substitutes Reijnders and Noa Lang (both 6.5).
“He is searching for his form this season, but replacement Quinten Timber made matters even worse,” VP commented. “Gravenberch provided more stability.”
Content Image
Content Image
AD’s Mikos Gouka was a little kinder to Van Dijk in his ratings, having awarded the defender a six, although there were more concerns raised about his part in the Netherlands falling behind during the first half.
“With a fine header after the break, Van Dijk put the Dutch side back on track for a result,” Gouka commented.
“However, the first half also left a lasting impression—a period during his 99th international appearance in which the defender failed to intervene, particularly on the play leading to Fotis Ioannidis’s opening goal.
“The Dutch defense had looked woeful before the break in any case, though things improved significantly in the second half.”
Netherlands midfielder Ryan Gravenberch during the UEFA Nations League match between Greece and the Netherlands at Toumba Stadium in Thessaloniki, on October 1, 2026. (Photo by Stefan Koops/EYE4IMAGES/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Ryan Gravenberch came off the bench at half-time for the Netherlands(Image: Getty Images)
Gravenberch was also handed an improved rating of 6.5, with the midfielder being credited for his part in an improved second half display from the Dutch, which will hold him in good stead ahead of his return to Anfield.
“The Liverpool player came off the bench after the break. The Dutch team's play improved, with Gravenberch making a very solid impression—something he could certainly use in a season where things hadn't exactly been running smoothly for him,” Gouka concluded.
Van Dijk and Gravenberch have one more game to go before reporting back for Liverpool, with the Netherlands facing Serbia on Sunday as they look to extend their unbeaten start under Barcelona legend Xavi.