Opinion in football can change quickly. And very often the players who are criticised most are those with the highest ceiling, because they have set such high standards.
Cristiano Ronaldo is a very notable example. No player took more flak during his time at Manchester United than he did, despite him finishing as the top scorer in 2021/22 with 24 goals.
Matthijs de Ligt’s high profile in the Netherlands makes him a magnet for criticism too. The former Kopa Trophy winner was slammed by Dutch pundit Willem van Hangelam after United’s defeat to Liverpool.
And such is the prerogative of football pundits, they frequently change their minds.
Matthijs de Ligt Netherlands captain call
One player the Netherlands have struggled to get the best out of is Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk.
Van Dijk was heavily criticised in his homeland during the Euros, and manager Ronald Koeman told De Telegraaf that his role and responsibility as captain may have weighed on him, and impacted his game.
Former Dutch international Van Hangelam has a solution… to replace Van Dijk as captain.
Speaking to the Algemeen Dagblad, Van Hangelam explained: “The question is whether you are that leader if it all costs so much energy to be captain.
“Van Dijk can still go on for a while, but if that bond is a hindrance, you give him to someone else, don’t you?”
When it came to a potential replacement, he acknowledged his recent criticism of Manchester United’s Matthijs de Ligt – but also agrees he may be best suited to the job.
He said: “I sometimes criticize him and people always think it’s personal or something. But you just know that he has it in him. He showed that once.”
Matthijs de Ligt in the spotlight
Matthijs de Ligt has remained in the spotlight in the Netherlands over the international break, and in Germany, where he played with Bayern Munich.
He made an error in the game against Bosnia, which Van Hangelam referenced, commenting: “That’s just not allowed.”
Ronald Koeman also admonished De Ligt over his error, and he was criticised by the country’s media.
Koeman also said there should not be too much emphasis placed on one moment, amid a generally positive game.
De Ligt also caused controversy with by explaining his decision to leave Bayern Munich to join Manchester United, claiming the high profile Premier League benefits his visibility when it comes to the national team.
These comments have not been well received in Germany – ahead of De Ligt potentially facing Die Mannschaft with Netherlands in the UEFA Nations League.
For now, Van Dijk remains captain. De Ligt has leadership qualities – but also needs to raise the rest of his game to match.
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