PSV title contenders point to Virgil van Dijk: “I missed that.”

The Netherlands national team did win last Saturday 5-1 against Sweden, but there was plenty to criticize about the Swedish goal, in particular captain Virgil van Dijk. Van Dijk was beaten somewhat too easily by Anthony Elanga, which made it easy for the excellent goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen to make a save.

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

Willy and René believe that Van Dijk should have acted more aggressively here. "The coach shouldn't have to sort that out; the players should sort it out themselves. That's the job of the captain. That's what I did miss with Virgil," said René.

Willy also thinks that the captain may be more firm with his teammates. ''Maybe Virgil sees it, but they still go 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 to them and pull them by the ears!'', Willy says.

Besides criticism of Van Dijk, the men also believe that it is all over for former PSV player Memphis Depay in Oranje. ''With Summerville and Brobbey, the issue of the right-wing and striker positions is settled. With Malen added, you then have three players for two spots and Gakpo on the left. You don’t need more than that'', Willy thinks.

Then the role of Memphis comes up. ''He had an assist, but that was his only achievement in twenty minutes. I’m meeting more and more people who are done with him. Except Koeman,'' says René. 

Willy shares his brother's opinion. "Just let him enjoy his holiday there'', said Willy.