Former Dutch star Johan Derksen has taken aim at Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk, with claims of arrogance.
Derksen was unimpressed by Van Dijk's valuation of Holland's 1-1 draw with Nations League qualifying opponents Italy and the way he praised coach Frank de Boer's tactics.
"Our captain always comes into the picture after the game to kick open doors," said Derksen on Veronica Inside. “He then gives Frank de Boer a compliment for the tactics he used. That was well-intentioned, but I also had a sense of pity. Like: that trainer has had so much to do, I just give him a compliment. It is the world upside down when players start to compliment the coach. "
According to Derksen, the compliment from Van Dijk says a lot about how the Liverpool defender thinks about himself.
“They think they are so great that they can compliment a coach, who has become champion of the Netherlands four times, for having drawn 1-1 against Italy. Very weird comment."
Ton Boot, a former top trainer in basketball and present in the studio, added to Derksen: “I completely agree with him. The hierarchy is completely broken, of course."
"Then you have to feel superior," continued the eighty-year-old former basketball coach. “The Oranje played well and they were good, but not that superior. They have lost sight of reality a bit."
Derksen continued: “That boy (Van Dijk) has been chosen as player of the year in England. He is praised everywhere and now feels so great to tell the starting coach: well done, kid."
