“He’s not focused” - Ex-Premier League star labels Van Dijk as ‘sloppy’ before Netherlands win over Romania at Euro 2024
Former Premier League defender Didier Domi slammed Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk for his underwhelming showings in Euro 2024. The Netherlands beat Romania 3-0 on Tuesday, July 2, in the Round of 16 but Van Dijk came under fire for his below-par displays in the group stage.
Ronald Koeman's side recorded just four points in Group D, having beaten Poland, drawn against France and lost to Austria. They made their way to the last 16 as one of the best third-placed teams but managed to beat Romania quite comfortably.
Van Dijk's Liverpool teammate Cody Gakpo scored once with Borussia Dortmund's Donyell Malen scoring twice for the Oranje in the last-16 game. However, ahead of the game, Virgil van Dijk was slammed by Didier Domi for his sloppiness.
The former Newcastle United and Leeds United left-back also criticized the Liverpool defender for his poor leadership in Euro 2024. He told on beIN SPORTS, as quoted by Sport Bible:
"He's not focused, he's not aggressive, he's out of position and he's sloppy. He needs to lead the way. Your attitude needs to be absolutely one hundred percent. I know you can make mistakes, but not a mistake of commitment, motivation, positioning and determination for someone of this standard. They will need their captain and leader at the best."
The Netherlands will be up against Turkiye in the quarter-finals who have been a surprise package in Euro 2024. Turkiye beat Austria 2-1 on Tuesday, July 2, to secure their place in the last eight.
Daniel Sturridge urges Liverpool to get the best out of the Netherlands star who has been impressive in Euro 2024
Former Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge has urged the Reds to get the best out of Cody Gakpo. The 25-year-old has been one of the best players in Euro 2024, scoring thrice and providing one assist in four games.
Gakpo has been the best player for the Netherlands, who have not been impressive as a unit but have made their way into the quarter-finals. However, the Dutchman has not been able to perform well consistently for Liverpool.
Sturridge has claimed that the Reds need to utilize the current Euro 2024 leading scorer and get the best out of him. The ex-Chelsea and Manchester City striker tweeted:
"Gakpo is a different player for (the) Netherlands, man. Gotta get the best out of him at (Liverpool Football Club)."
Gakpo has made a total of 79 appearances for Liverpool till date, scoring 23 times and providing nine assists. With Arne Slot at the helm now, it will be interesting to see how he uses his compatriot.