JURGEN KLOPP has blasted Rafael van der Vaart over his brutal criticism of Virgil van Dijk.
Van der Vaart delivered a scathing analysis of the Liverpool hero’s mobility after the in their opening match.
Rafael van der Vaart has was very critical of Virgil van Dijk after the Netherland’s World Cup opener Credit: GETTY
Jurgen Klopp has launched a staunch defence of his former Liverpool skipper Credit: GETTY
The former Tottenham star and Netherlands international, who works as a pundit for NOS, said: “I have to be honest: I was quite shocked by Van Dijk.
“With him, I thought: that doesn’t look good. Especially while turning. It is proving very difficult.
“A bit like a Boeing 747 turning. I hope he starts turning a bit faster during the tournament.”
Van der Vaart’s comments on Van Dijk didn’t sit well with former Kop boss Klopp.
Klopp refrained from attacking the 43-year-old, who found himself in hot water for .
But he did critique what he believed to be constant negativity from the retired attacking midfielder.
The German said: “I’m not entirely sure if it’s worth mentioning .
“But if he ever says something positive about any player at some point, then I’ll be happy to take him seriously again.
“You get the feeling he sees something, and then it has to be formulated in a flowery way, and then he’s really against it.
“But that way it’s really not important.”
Klopp’s staunch defence of Van Dijk comes as no surprise.
The Kop icon brought the Dutchman to Anfield in January 2018 for a then-record transfer fee for a defender of £75million.
Virgil van Dijk and his Netherlands team-mates got up and running with a 5-1 win over Sweden Credit: SHUTTERSTOCK
Van Dijk made a total of 270 appearances and won eight trophies, including the and Premier League, under the German’s stewardship.
The Netherlands got up and running in the tournament on Saturday evening with a.
The Oranje will close out their Group F campaign next Friday, taking on rock-bottom Tunisia.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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