Virgil van Dijk hits back at harsh criticism from Marco van Basten after Netherlands draw with Ecuador

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Virgil van Dijk has hit back at Marco van Basten after criticizing his performance in the Netherlands’ draw with Ecuador.

The Netherlands drew 1-1 against Ecuador in their second group stage match after beating Senegal 2-0 in their World Cup opener.

Manchester United target Cody Gakpo put his side ahead just in the sixth minute, but former Premier League striker Enner Valencia canceled his strike as he drove in from close range to score a point.

Analyzing the game, Dutch legend Van Basten, who helped his national team win the European Championship in 1988, took aim at the Liverpool star.

Virgil van Dijk in action for the Netherlands. Image: Alamy

He blamed the defender for Valencia’s goal on Friday, questioning his defensive position and saying he wasn’t taking the lead.

Speaking on Dutch television, he exclaimed: “Van Dijk just waits and watches him shoot. What is he watching? He must be on top of him. He just lets him shoot.

“He doesn’t take the lead. He doesn’t take care of anything in the team. He makes noise, but he doesn’t say anything. That’s what he does.”

The Dutch captain was asked about Van Basten’s scathing criticism after the game and he didn’t hold back.

In his post-match interview, he said: “I don’t think he’s ever been positive, so what am I supposed to do with it? It’s easy to talk from the studio.

“Me failing as captain? What do you want me to do with this information? I’m always up front. I lead the team in the best way possible.”

The Netherlands are top of Group A, level on points with Ecuador, with only one game to play in the group stage.

Louis van Gaal’s side will take on Qatar while Ecuador will take on Senegal – both matches will take place next Tuesday.

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