Liverpool star Van Dijk slammed ‘lazy and nonchalant’ in unwarranted attack

Former Netherlands star Wim Kieft has launched a bizarre attack on Virgil van Dijk, slamming the Liverpool defender as “lazy and nonchalant”.

Virgil van Dijk has been influential in Liverpool’s recent success, helping them win the Champions League and the Premier League.

The Dutchman has, however, endured an uncharacteristic start to the new 2020/21 campaign and made a string of mistakes in the opening-day 4-3 win over Leeds this month.

Following that performance, former Aston Villa forward Gabby Agbonlahor claimed that Van Dijk was too arrogant in his approach during that narrow win.

And now, somewhat bizarrely, Kieft – a former forward who earned 42 caps for the Netherlands – has hit out at the ex- Southampton defender.

He told De Telegraaf of Van Dijk: “He is not sharp, he behaves with the Oranje and Liverpool like the finished star, the great coaching leader, who shows a little too much that he does not like his fellow players.

“At the same time, he plays lazy and nonchalant himself. He makes mistakes and often runs away from defensive handiwork in matches. With his status, he should be at the forefront of the battle.

“It took Van Dijk a long time to get to the top international level. He has been there for about two seasons now, but it is important that Van Dijk remains very critical of himself.

“His environment also plays an important role in this. It’s okay if his trainers shake him up a lot.”

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Liverpool got their title defence off to a shaky start as they edged out a seven-goal thriller against Leeds.

In terms of transfers the Reds have completed the signing of Thiago Alcantara and Wolves’ Diogo Jota is arriving too.

Youngster Ki-Jana Hoever is set to head to Wolves in a £10million deal, while Gini Wijnaldum continues to be linked with Barcelona. There’s a lot to keep track of.

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Van Dijk was also criticised by the likes of Jamie Carragher following the Leeds game, but the player himself appeared unconcerned by his error.

“It was one of those… they are situations that can happen,” he said at full-time.

“I always try to do my best and that’s what I did. Unfortunately a goal came from it but I don’t worry about that.

“No one wants to concede goals but it was intense for both teams. We trained for that and we knew that could happen.”