The 34-year-old Liverpool captain played the full 90 minutes – and a strong verdict has emerged over his display

In a night filled with goals, emotions, and unexpected criticism, the spotlight shone brightly on Liverpool’s captain, Virgil van Dijk, after the Netherlands cruised to a 4-0 victory over Malta. But while the scoreboard painted a perfect picture for Ronald Koeman’s men, the Dutch media told a very different story. The Liverpool defender, often described as calm, composed, and commanding, suddenly found himself at the center of a storm — questioned, analyzed, and even doubted by his own country’s football press. It was supposed to be a routine game, a night of celebration for a team that looks well on track for next summer’s World Cup, yet it became an evening where one of football’s most respected figures faced rare public scrutiny.

The Netherlands, as always, looked sharp going forward. Cody Gakpo, Van Dijk’s Liverpool teammate, was in ruthless form, scoring twice from the penalty spot. Tijjani Reijnders and Memphis Depay added their names to the scoresheet, ensuring the Oranje remained top of their qualification group. It was another confident display from Koeman’s side, who have maintained their strong run since the European Championship in Germany, where they reached the semi-finals. The Dutch look set for another deep run when the World Cup kicks off in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. They have a solid squad, a good system, and players who understand each other — but the one question mark that suddenly emerged was around the one man who has long been their most reliable figure at the back: Virgil van Dijk.

For years, Van Dijk has been more than just a defender. He has been a symbol of calm, control, and authority — a player whose presence alone has kept opponents away from danger. He’s the man who transformed Liverpool’s defense from shaky to solid, the captain who lifted the Champions League, Premier League, and FA Cup, and the leader who restored belief to a generation of Dutch football fans. Yet, at 34, the whispers have started. The talk of age, fatigue, and decline — words that come for every great athlete eventually — have started to hover around him. And after the Malta match, those whispers became louder.

Dutch football media didn’t hold back. Major outlets like *Football Oranje*, *Voetbal Primeur*, *Voetbal Zone*, and *Voetbal International* all gave the Liverpool captain some of the lowest ratings on the team. Despite the 4-0 scoreline, Van Dijk’s night was described as “uncharacteristically sloppy,” “unfocused,” and “far from his best.” Football Oranje gave him a 5 out of 10 — the lowest among all players on the pitch. Their review was sharp and direct: “Almost gifted Malta a goal early on with a terrible back pass and was booked in the second half for a silly push. Not his finest night.”

Voetbal Primeur went even further, rating him at 4.5 and saying: “With a dramatic back pass, he gave Malta a golden opportunity to open the scoring after two minutes. It fizzled out, but the nonchalance was clearly gone. Van Dijk continued to look weak afterward and, to top it all off, received a yellow card.”

Voetbal Zone, meanwhile, gave him a 4/10 and pointed out that his mistakes were uncharacteristic of a player of his level. Van Dijk, they said, looked “like a man struggling to adjust to the tempo.” Voetbal International was slightly kinder with a 5.5 rating but still admitted that his performance was far from the elite standard fans have come to expect.

In truth, the numbers backed up those claims. Over 90 minutes, Van Dijk made just one clearance, committed two fouls, lost possession four times, and was dribbled past more than once — rare statistics for someone who has built his reputation on dominance and precision. One of those misplaced passes even led to a dangerous Malta attack early in the first half, leaving fans holding their breath. Though the Netherlands comfortably won the game, the question arose: was this just an off night or a glimpse of something deeper?

For a long time, Van Dijk has been considered almost superhuman in defense. His composure under pressure, his timing, and his ability to make defending look effortless have made him one of the best in modern football. But as every footballer knows, time waits for no one. The Dutch captain has been playing at the highest level for over a decade, facing the world’s fastest strikers week after week. The physical toll is immense, and though his leadership and reading of the game remain world-class, the legs may no longer move as swiftly as they once did.

Still, not everyone was ready to criticize. Some fans defended him, pointing out that the Dutch team has been trying new defensive setups under Koeman, which may not yet suit Van Dijk’s style. Others said it was unfair to single him out after a 4-0 win. After all, no player can be perfect every time. But the debate continued across television studios and online platforms. Former Dutch internationals like Rafael van der Vaart and Pierre van Hooijdonk expressed concern about the team’s performance and Van Dijk’s role as captain. They suggested that the team’s defense looked shaky and that the younger generation, like Arsenal’s Jurrien Timber and Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven, might soon take over leadership at the back.

That comparison was particularly interesting. Timber and Van de Ven, both in their early twenties, played with sharpness, speed, and energy. Timber was praised for his anticipation and confidence, while Van de Ven’s pace allowed the team to recover quickly from any danger. Dutch media outlets even described Timber as having “taken the crown off his captain” during the Malta game. It was not meant disrespectfully — more like a symbolic passing of the torch — but for a proud leader like Van Dijk, it surely stung a little.

However, Van Dijk is not one to stay silent. After the match, when asked about the criticism, he responded firmly. Speaking to *Voetbal Flitsen*, the Liverpool defender said: “The guys in the studio know how difficult this can be. Have they forgotten that? That often seems to be the case.” It was a calm but pointed reminder that pundits, many of whom once played at the highest level, should understand how tough international football can be, especially against defensive-minded teams like Malta. He added, “We’re on track for the World Cup. Not pretty, but effective. Sometimes that’s enough.”

His message was clear — football is not always about perfection or beauty; it’s about results. And in that sense, the Netherlands achieved exactly what they needed: three points, another clean sheet, and momentum going into the final stretch of qualifiers. Van Dijk’s leadership, even if not flawless in play, remains central to the team’s success.

Liverpool fans watching from afar will understand both sides of the story. They’ve seen Van Dijk’s brilliance countless times — his dominance in duels, his precise long passes, and his ability to organize the defense with a single shout. But they’ve also seen moments when he looked slightly off the pace, particularly after his long injury layoff two years ago. Yet, even at less than his best, Van Dijk’s presence has been invaluable. He continues to command respect, both at club and international level.

The question now is how Koeman manages this balance. With younger defenders like Timber, Van de Ven, and even Matthijs de Ligt coming through, the Netherlands are entering a new defensive era. But Van Dijk remains the captain, the face of the team, and the emotional leader. Koeman has always trusted him, not just for what he does on the pitch, but for how he influences those around him. Removing him from the lineup isn’t as simple as replacing a name; it means altering the team’s structure and identity.

Back at Liverpool, Arne Slot will likely keep a close eye on his captain’s form too. With the Premier League season in full swing and the Reds competing in multiple competitions, Slot knows how crucial Van Dijk’s leadership is. Younger players like Jarell Quansah and Ibrahima Konaté look up to him, while the team’s balance often depends on his calm distribution from the back. Even if his pace has slightly dipped, his mind remains as sharp as ever. Liverpool’s success under Slot may depend on how he manages Van Dijk’s minutes, ensuring the captain remains fresh for key games.

The Dutch media’s criticism, while harsh, might serve as motivation. Van Dijk has always been a player who responds to doubts with performances. Every time his ability has been questioned — whether after injury, a tough defeat, or a poor showing — he has returned stronger. That’s the mark of a true professional and a leader. It’s possible that this latest scrutiny will only fuel his desire to prove once again that he remains among the world’s best defenders.

Beyond the criticism, one thing remains unchanged: Van Dijk’s status as a legend. He’s captained his country and club with grace, helped shape a generation of defenders, and brought calmness to chaotic moments. Every footballer, no matter how great, faces decline — but legacy is built on consistency, character, and class. And Van Dijk has all three.

As the Netherlands prepare for their next fixtures and Liverpool gear up for a packed Premier League schedule, the spotlight will stay on him. Fans will watch to see how he responds — and if history is any guide, Van Dijk will likely silence the critics the best way he knows how: with commanding performances and quiet authority. Because even in the twilight of his career, one truth still stands — when Virgil van Dijk steps onto the pitch, the defense stands taller, the team feels safer, and opponents think twice before attacking.

For now, the debate will continue. Was this just one off night or a sign that time is catching up? Only the coming months will tell. But one thing is certain — Virgil van Dijk, the calm giant of Liverpool and the Netherlands, isn’t done yet. His pride, his leadership, and his hunger to win will push him forward, as he continues to prove that legends never truly fade — they simply adapt, endure, and inspire the next generation to follow.