Virgil van Dijk is one of those players whose presence alone often brings calm and confidence to a team, but during the Netherlands’ recent 4-0 victory over Malta, that wasn’t entirely the case. It was supposed to be a comfortable night for Ronald Koeman’s men, and for the most part, it was. The Dutch team dominated possession, created numerous chances, and watched Cody Gakpo lead the attack with two beautifully taken penalties. But for Liverpool’s captain, the evening had an uncomfortable edge — one that left many Dutch fans and journalists questioning his sharpness and composure.
The 4-0 scoreline might make it look like everything went smoothly, yet for Van Dijk, it was a match filled with mixed emotions. Early in the first half, with the Netherlands in complete control, Van Dijk made an uncharacteristic mistake. His attempted back pass went straight to Malta forward Joseph Mbong, putting him clean through on goal. For a brief second, it looked like disaster was about to strike. The entire Johan Cruyff Arena fell silent as Mbong rushed toward goal — but the Malta striker couldn’t finish. The chance was wasted, and Van Dijk breathed a sigh of relief. The Dutch captain knew just how costly that could have been.
According to reports from *Algemeen Dagblad*, it was a “painful” moment to watch, especially for a player of Van Dijk’s reputation. The outlet gave him a rating of **5/10**, the lowest among the Dutch players that night. For someone regarded as one of the best defenders in the world, that kind of rating is rare — and telling. They described it as a “lucky escape” for both Van Dijk and the Netherlands, adding that such errors only fuel critics who accuse the team of “lacking urgency” in matches they are expected to dominate.
What made it worse for Van Dijk was that he was later booked, leaving him walking a disciplinary tightrope for the team’s next World Cup qualifying clash against Poland. The yellow card meant he had to play the rest of the match cautiously, unable to fully commit to challenges or risk another mistake. For a captain who usually plays with authority and leadership, that kind of restriction can feel suffocating.
Meanwhile, Van Dijk’s Liverpool teammates were stealing the headlines for all the right reasons. Cody Gakpo, who has been in brilliant form both for club and country, scored twice from the spot and played a key role in the third goal. His confidence, precision, and determination made him the standout performer of the night. Gakpo even went close to scoring from open play with a long-range effort that hit the inside of the post. Later in the match, he assisted Tijani Reijnders for the Netherlands’ third goal before being substituted to a standing ovation seven minutes before the end.
Gakpo’s performance earned him a 7.5/10 from the same outlet — a score that highlighted his growing importance to both Liverpool and the Netherlands. Journalist Mikos Gouka praised him, writing, “It probably didn’t feel like a special evening for Gakpo. But with two well-placed penalties and a beautifully curled long-range shot that hit the inside of the post early in the match, the left striker was once again crucial for the Dutch team on their way to the World Cup.”
For Van Dijk, though, the night felt very different. He was described as “on edge,” a phrase that captured not just his physical display but also his mental state. The Liverpool captain, who has faced criticism this season for inconsistent performances in the Premier League, seemed to carry that pressure onto the international stage. At 34 years old, he remains a commanding figure in defence, but there have been growing discussions about whether he still possesses the same dominance and calmness that defined his peak years under Jurgen Klopp.
In Liverpool colours, Van Dijk has looked solid at times this season but has also had moments where his judgment and pace have been questioned. The Reds’ new manager, Arne Slot, has made some tactical changes that require defenders to play a higher line and take more risks with the ball. That has occasionally exposed Van Dijk, particularly in transitions. Perhaps, that same high-risk habit followed him into the Netherlands match — where one misjudged pass could easily have turned a routine win into a nightmare.
Despite the personal disappointment, Van Dijk’s leadership remained visible throughout the game. He could be seen organizing the backline, communicating constantly with his younger teammates, and clapping in encouragement after every defensive clearance. Yet, leadership alone doesn’t erase errors, and in modern football, every mistake from a top player gets magnified.
Koeman’s post-match comments were calm but telling. He acknowledged that while his team performed well overall, they needed to “stay sharper” and “avoid giving away silly chances.” Though he didn’t mention names, everyone knew the remark was aimed at Van Dijk’s early blunder. Still, Koeman has shown faith in his captain, often defending him from criticism and reminding fans that even the best defenders can make errors in games where they are rarely tested.
For Liverpool supporters, the concern is simple — fatigue and focus. The international break is supposed to help players recharge mentally, but for Van Dijk, it seemed to do the opposite. Returning to Merseyside after a performance that drew criticism, he now faces a crucial Premier League fixture against Manchester United at Anfield. Arne Slot will need his captain back at his best, especially with Liverpool’s defence already struggling for stability.
Interestingly, while Van Dijk’s night was tough, the performance of his fellow Dutch Reds gave Liverpool fans something to smile about. Ryan Gravenberch, another player looking to establish himself in Slot’s setup, earned a 7/10 rating for his energetic midfield display. Jeremie Frimpong, though not a Liverpool player, was also impressive and showed why he continues to attract attention from top clubs in England, including the Reds.
But the biggest winner from the night was Gakpo. His performance not only pushed the Netherlands closer to qualification but also solidified his place among the most important attackers for Liverpool this season. His two penalties were a sign of maturity, while his overall contribution was a reminder of his growth under Arne Slot’s more attacking system.
Van Dijk’s struggles might dominate the headlines, but even in moments of weakness, his professionalism remains unquestionable. Every player goes through dips in form, and as Liverpool’s captain, he knows the responsibility that comes with wearing the armband. The upcoming clash against Manchester United offers him the perfect opportunity to respond — not with words, but with a commanding defensive performance at Anfield.
If history is any guide, Van Dijk often delivers his best in big moments. When critics start to doubt him, he tends to find another level. Perhaps this “painful” night against Malta will serve as the motivation he needs to silence the noise once again. And for Liverpool fans, that’s exactly what they’ll be hoping for — their captain back to his best, leading with confidence, and ensuring no more back passes go astray.
Cody Gakpo may have stolen the spotlight for the Netherlands, but for Van Dijk, the real test begins now — back home at Anfield, where the lights shine brighter, the challenges are tougher, and every mistake matters just a little bit more.
