Virgil van Dijk: Dutch media blast Liverpool star after what he did vs Tunisia

Virgil van Dijk didn't have the best of games as the Liverpool defender started for the Netherlands against Tunisia on Friday.

The Oranje beat Herve Renard's team 3-1 at Kansas City Stadium on 26 June, with the 34-year-old centre-back providing an assist.

In around the seventh minute, Ronald Koeman's team won a free kick around 30 yards from goal, which was whipped into the far post, and the Reds' captain headed it into a dangerous area for Brian Brobbey to find the back of the net.

Despite Van Dijk's contribution to the Netherlands' scoreline, he was called out by Dutch media for his performance against Tunisia for again failing to keep a clean sheet.

Hazem Mastouri gave the North African national a lifeline in the 54th minute as he scored, but Jan Paul van Hecke sealed the three points for the Oranje soon after with his header.

Koeman's team have finished top of Group F and will now face Morocco in the last 32 on 30 June at Estadio Monterrey.

Virgil van Dijk called out after Tunisia vs the Netherlands

Van Dijk captained the Netherlands to victory over Tunisia, but his performance wasn't without its flaws, as Tunisia gave the Dutch something to think about.

While the Oranje dominated possession and controlled the game for the most part, Renard's team looked threatening at times and created some decent opportunities.

There have been demands for the Merseyside outfit's centre-back to ensure the Netherlands are more solid at the back in the upcoming rounds if they want to proceed further in the competition.

Sportnieuws gave the veteran defender 6/10, writing, "He needs to ensure the defence is much better organised than in the recent matches. Despite the large scoreline, the Netherlands are also giving away too many chances.

"The Netherlands let Tunisia come forward and tried to contain them around the penalty area. He dropped back too long in one-on-one situations. That goes terribly wrong against better teams."

Van Dijk received a 6.5/10 from VoetbalPrimeur as he set up a goal against Tunisia, but there's one slight concern, with the news outlet writing, "Van Dijk also experienced a first in Kansas City. In his 95th international match, he provided his very first assist in the Orange shirt.

"Defensively, the captain faced no problems, although we are still waiting for the first clean sheet at this World Cup."

Virgil van Dijk to look over shoulder at Liverpool

Football Insider transfer correspondent Pete O'Rourke shared in May that Liverpool had Sporting CP's Goncalo Inacio on their radar as a long-term replacement for Van Dijk.

The former Southampton defender isn't getting any younger and the Reds should be looking for the centre-back's successor this summer, with his contract expiring in 2027.

It wouldn't be surprising to see Andoni Iraola target a quality central defender at Anfield in the ongoing transfer window, which would certainly raise questions about Van Dijk's role in L4.