PSV fans point to Virgil van Dijk: 'That's something I missed'

The Netherlands national team won last Saturday, albeit 5-1 against Sweden, yet there was plenty to criticize about the Swedish goal, above all involving captain Virgil van Dijk. Van Dijk allowed himself to be easily outplayed by Anthony Elanga, making it a piece of cake for the excellent goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.

Also PSV prodigies Willy and René van de Kerkhof, finalists with Oranje at the 1978 World Cup, are not pleased with the defensive work of the captain in the Swedish goal. Striker Alexander Isak kept dropping back, causing the striker more and more often to be the free man on the Scandinavian side.

Willy and René are of the opinion that Van Dijk should have intervened more firmly here. ''The coach shouldn't have to fix that; the players themselves should fix it. That's the captain's job. That's something I did miss with Virgil'', said René.

Willy also believes that the captain can be tougher with his teammates. ''Maybe Virgil sees it, but they still get too familiar with each other. As captain, you just have to say: you here and you there. And if players don't listen to the captain, then he has to go up to them and pull them by the ears!'', as Willy says.

In addition to criticism of Van Dijk, the gentlemen also believe that it is the end of the road for former PSV player Memphis Depay in Orange. ''With Summerville and Brobbey, the question of the right winger and striker positions has been settled. With Malen as well, you then have three men for two spots and Gakpo on the left. You don't need more than that'', Willy says.

After that, Memphis is brought up. ''He had an assist, but that was his only achievement in twenty minutes. I'm speaking to more and more people who are done with him. Except Koeman'', René says. 

Willy shares his brother's opinion. "Let him just enjoy his holiday there'', said Willy.