Van Dijk World Cup Non-Discussion: Dutch media say Liverpool form irrelevant

The Van Dijk World Cup non-discussion narrative has taken centre stage in the Netherlands this week, with two prominent journalists insisting Virgil van Dijk’s struggles at Liverpool will have zero impact on his place at next summer’s World Cup. Despite Liverpool enduring a turbulent season defensively — losing nine of their opening 14 matches across all competitions — the Dutch captain’s status within Ronald Koeman’s national setup “is not up for debate”.

Van Dijk, once untouchable for both club and country, has faced renewed scrutiny after a series of uncharacteristic moments. His error against PSV, where he conceded a penalty through an inexplicable handball during a 4–1 defeat, has been held up as a symbol of Liverpool’s broader defensive decline. The contrast to last season’s imperious form has invited criticism from supporters and pundits alike.

But according to the Kick-off podcast, relayed by Voetbal Primeur, there is no scenario in which Van Dijk’s club form threatens his place at the World Cup. Journalists Valentijn Driessen and Mike Verweij state emphatically that Koeman will not change his hierarchy based on Liverpool’s struggles.

From Koeman’s perspective, the underlying concern isn’t Van Dijk’s short-term dip — it’s ensuring he peaks at the right time. With the World Cup draw taking place on Friday and the tournament still several months away, there is no urgency within the Dutch camp to react to club-level turbulence. Van Dijk remains the captain, the dressing-room anchor and the most experienced defender Koeman has.

Liverpool’s declining form has created a distorted perception of the Dutchman’s overall level. Even when off the pace, Van Dijk continues to win duels and organise defensive phases at a higher rate than most Premier League centre-backs. The expectation is that once Liverpool stabilise or adjust structurally under their coaching staff, his level will naturally rise.

Having followed Van Dijk’s national team role closely, it’s clear why Koeman’s stance is unwavering. He sees Van Dijk not just as a defender but as a cultural cornerstone — someone whose presence shapes the entire tactical structure. In our view, dropping him because of club turbulence would create more instability than it solves.

Although some critics argue his decline has accelerated, the nuance is that Liverpool’s defensive set-up this season exposes centre-backs more than in previous campaigns. It's worth questioning whether Van Dijk’s form is truly regressing or if Liverpool’s collective shape has magnified every mistake.

Verweij is right to say the criticism is disproportionate. Centre-backs often experience dips during team-wide struggles, yet their mistakes stand out far more than attacking misfires. With months to reset and a national environment that plays to his strengths, Van Dijk’s World Cup readiness is not genuinely under threat.

Koeman will name his provisional squad in the coming months. Unless injury strikes, Van Dijk’s name will be inked in early. Liverpool, meanwhile, will hope he uses that reassurance as a platform to rebuild form heading into the winter period.

👉 Liverpool fans — are the criticisms of Van Dijk fair, or is he being singled out for team-wide issues?