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Jurgen Klopp has come out strongly in defence of Virgil van Dijk after the Netherlands captain faced an unusual and scathing critique from former Dutch international Rafael van der Vaart. The former Liverpool boss swiftly dismissed the pundit’s remarks following the Oranje’s opening World Cup group stage draw against Japan.

Klopp stands by his former captain

Klopp responded firmly to Van der Vaart after the ex-Netherlands midfielder singled out Van Dijk for heavy criticism. Speaking to MagentaTV ahead of the Netherlands’ World Cup encounter with Sweden, Klopp expressed disbelief at the negative tone of the comments aimed at his former Liverpool stalwart.

Van Dijk, who served as the defensive backbone of Klopp’s most successful Liverpool era from 2018 to 2024, came under scrutiny following a somewhat uncertain defensive display in the 2-2 draw against Japan earlier in the tournament. However, Klopp remains unwavering in his belief that the 34-year-old centre-back continues to perform at a world-class level.

The ‘Boeing 747’ comparison

The controversy began when Van der Vaart, working as a pundit for Dutch broadcaster NOS, delivered a sharp critique of Van Dijk’s agility. The former Hamburg and Real Madrid star expressed that he was “shocked” by the defender’s performance, specifically targeting his turning speed and movement in confined areas.

“I have to be honest: I was quite shocked by Van Dijk,” Van der Vaart said. “With him, I thought: that doesn’t look good. Especially while turning. It is proving very difficult. A bit like a Boeing 747 turning. I hope he starts turning a bit faster during the tournament.”

This colourful analogy did not sit well with Klopp, who continues to value the leadership and composure Van Dijk brings to Ronald Koeman’s side.

Klopp’s biting response to Van der Vaart

When questioned about the remarks, Klopp did not hold back, questioning Van der Vaart’s credibility and his apparent focus on negativity. The German manager suggested that the former midfielder’s comments were more about seeking attention than offering genuine tactical analysis.

“I’m not entirely sure if it’s worth mentioning Rafael van der Vaart,” Klopp responded. “But if he ever says something positive about any player at some point, then I’ll be happy to take him seriously again. You get the feeling he sees something, and then it has to be expressed in a flowery way, and then he’s really against it. But that way it’s really not important.”

Van Dijk’s leadership pays off

Despite being named Player of the Match, Van Dijk remained humble when addressing the media after the draw with Japan. The captain admitted that his team found it difficult to break down a disciplined Japanese side that operated in a compact 5-4-1 setup for most of the game.

“We played against a Japan that kept it very compact. That was difficult,” Van Dijk said. “In the end, we start with a draw. We can certainly do better. Onto the next one.”

His words proved prophetic as the Netherlands responded emphatically, securing a commanding 5-1 victory over Sweden in their second group stage match.