Dutch legend calls Liverpool star ‘too easygoing’

Van Dijk’s Composure Under Scrutiny

Liverpool’s defensive stalwart, Virgil van Dijk, has long been regarded as one of world football’s finest centre-backs. His presence, authority, and composure have underpinned the Reds’ success over recent years, with his leadership extending beyond the pitch at Anfield and into the Dutch national team. Yet, according to Dutch legend Marco van Basten, that same calmness might now be working against him.

Speaking on Riggo Sports’ Rondo, with quotes carried by De Telegraaf, Van Basten questioned whether Van Dijk’s easy-going nature is becoming a limitation both for Liverpool and the Netherlands. “I think Van Dijk needs to be the leader. He needs to lead by example and be the driving force,” Van Basten said. “I miss that in him. I find his mentality easy-going.”

For a player who has captained both club and country, this critique cuts to the core of his footballing persona. Van Basten was careful to acknowledge Van Dijk’s remarkable talent — “He’s a fantastic player, perhaps the best defender we have in the world. He can head the ball, is quick, tall, and has a good overview” — but the former AC Milan striker also called for more visible leadership: “He’s not the leader who drives the team forward, and that would actually benefit the team. I hope Arne Slot can teach him something.”

Slot’s Influence and Liverpool’s Transition

New Liverpool manager Arne Slot has been tasked with maintaining high standards in the post-Klopp era. The Reds remain among the strongest sides in the Premier League, but inconsistency has plagued the early months of his tenure. While the summer arrivals of Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz have yet to fully click, Van Dijk’s performances have continued to provide stability at the back.

Still, his contract situation looms large. Van Dijk’s deal expires at the end of next season, and discussions around a renewal have yet to progress meaningfully. With the Dutchman turning 34 next year, the question is whether Liverpool view him as the long-term defensive cornerstone or if a new chapter beckons elsewhere.

Slot’s management could yet unlock a more assertive version of Van Dijk — one that blends his trademark composure with a more vocal, driving presence. For now, Liverpool’s captain remains indispensable, anchoring a defence that has otherwise struggled for rhythm.

photo IMAGO

Leadership Expectations and Legacy

Van Dijk’s calm demeanour has always been central to his identity as a footballer. He rarely loses his temper, often defuses high-pressure moments, and commands through assurance rather than aggression. But Van Basten’s remarks tap into a deeper conversation about what leadership should look like in the modern game.

Some captains lead by sheer force of will, while others — like Van Dijk — prefer to set the tone through control and example. For Liverpool, both approaches have yielded success in different eras. Yet with a younger squad and a manager demanding intensity, there may be a need for Van Dijk to rediscover the urgency that defined his early seasons on Merseyside.

His record remains exceptional. Without him, Liverpool’s defensive line has looked fractured, particularly with Ibrahima Konaté’s erratic form and Milos Kerkez yet to fully settle. Even as critics question his influence, his reliability remains beyond dispute.

Opportunity to Prove Van Basten Wrong

For Van Dijk, the upcoming months could be decisive. With the Netherlands comfortably on course for World Cup 2026 qualification following their 4–0 win over Finland, and Liverpool still competing on multiple fronts, his form and leadership will again come under scrutiny.

As Van Basten’s comments circulate, they may serve as quiet motivation for the Dutch captain. The idea that he has become “too easy-going” might not sit comfortably with a player who has spent a career defying expectation.

If anything, Van Dijk has a chance to remind the footballing world — and perhaps Van Basten himself — that leadership comes in many forms. Calm does not mean complacent, and in Liverpool’s evolving setup under Arne Slot, his influence could yet prove as vital as ever.