Virgil van Dijk slammed by Dutch media as Liverpool captain struggles again for Netherlands

Virgil van Dijk has come under renewed criticism in the Netherlands despite helping his country secure their first victory under Xavi Hernandez.

The Netherlands beat Serbia 2-1 in Belgrade on Sunday, with Mexx Meerdink scoring twice to secure the points after Luka Jovic had equalised shortly after half-time.

However, the performance was far from convincing. The Dutch dominated possession and created enough opportunities to make the contest comfortable, but their failure to take those chances kept Serbia in the game.

Van Dijk was unimpressed himself, describing it as a “poor game” and admitting the Netherlands should have made life much easier for themselves.

The Liverpool captain had already faced criticism following the 1-1 draw against Germany, where questions were raised over whether he was keeping up with the speed of the game.

Those concerns resurfaced against Serbia.

Voetbalzone awarded Van Dijk just 5.5/10, highlighting his difficulties dealing with Serbia's quick counter-attacks and suggesting the slow tempo of the Netherlands' possession did him few favours.

It was the second successive match in which the outlet had given him a 5.5 rating.

Voetbal International were slightly more generous with a 6/10, but still criticised the Dutch defence for hesitant moments which forced goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen into action.

VoetbalPrimeur also gave Van Dijk 6/10. While acknowledging that the centre-back was rarely seriously tested, they felt the Netherlands' defenders should have taken greater responsibility in possession.

Van Dijk was not the only Liverpool player to receive a difficult assessment.

Ryan Gravenberch was given 5.5/10 by VoetbalPrimeur following an underwhelming midfield display.

The midfielder has lost his starting position at Liverpool, and the Dutch outlet suggested that his lack of form at club level is now translating to the national team.

Gravenberch was accused of playing too cautiously and failing to exert the influence he has previously demonstrated.

There was potentially worse news surrounding Cody Gakpo.

The Liverpool attacker lasted just over 15 minutes before being forced off with an injury, adding another fitness concern for the Reds ahead of the return of club football.

For Van Dijk, however, the issue is form rather than fitness.

The 35-year-old remains captain and an important figure for his country, but two successive performances attracting criticism from the Dutch media will inevitably increase scrutiny.

The Netherlands got the victory they needed in Serbia. Their captain, though, appears to have plenty still to prove during the early stages of the Hernandez era.

Van Dijk will return to Liverpool with the scrutiny surrounding his international performances growing.

At 35, any dip in performance is inevitably going to prompt questions about whether age is beginning to have an impact, particularly when criticism focuses on dealing with quick transitions and the tempo of matches.

Liverpool will be far more concerned about Gakpo's situation in the immediate term. His early withdrawal will need to be assessed before it becomes clear whether he faces any time on the sidelines.

Gravenberch also returns to Anfield needing to rediscover his best form after losing his Liverpool starting place and subsequently struggling to impose himself for the Netherlands.

For Van Dijk, the next international window could prove significant. He remains the Netherlands captain, but another difficult set of performances would only intensify the debate surrounding his position.