Virgil van Dijk hit back after coming under further criticism from Marco van Basten, Ruud Gullitt and Gertjan Verbeek over his role as Holland captain.
Van Dijk's time on the pitch this season hasn't been perfect as he was forced to spend an extended spell on the sidelines following a hamstring injury
Following their 3-0 win over Gibraltar, the Champions League and Premier League-winning defender hit back at claims from the two Dutch icons.
Van Dijk: "This is of no use to me. Everyone is allowed to have their own opinion these days, that’s the case.
"Did I set the bar unrealistically high? How is that possible? It was never perfect, consistent is the right word. We’ve had a lot of success with the team. Football players, they know that better than anyone, have high peaks and deep lows
It’s quite normal that you can’t always play consistently. That you have a phase as a club or player where you are looking for your level. People should not forget that.
It is normal that people make mistakes, that it is part of football and that it is very human. Regardless of who gets a platform and is allowed to say what, so that things are made big. You know better than anyone when you are doing something right or not."
Van Basten hasn't been shy to criticise the Liverpool defender in recent months
Ruud Gullit also agreed with the verdict of former Dutch manager Verbeek,
Van Basten: "He makes noise, but he doesn't say anything.
Van basten: "He is not clear. A good captain thinks aloud, makes it clear what is going on. He stays in between. He creates chaos. That leads to misunderstandings. That is what you, as a captain, must prevent.
In the dressing room he is good, football tactically and technically not. You need another gentleman on the field. This has nothing to do with that injury, this has to do with leadership. He makes noise, but he says nothing. That's true. This is in you. This is wanting to win at all costs."
Gullit previously claimed that the bad defensive displays at Anfield were "his responsibility" and now he has now claimed the Liverpool man thinks he's "better than the rest".
Gullit: "In England they have already criticised him. He was selected for the world team of the year. He thinks he's better than the rest.
We see things… Then I think, "you are captain, you have to solve this". But he's just commenting a little on what's happening in front of him.
I don't know if he's doing it, but it doesn't look like he's speaking. He plays so safe. Come on now, you're so big and good. It is a positive criticism that we give. Isn't he the best? Then show it."
Verbeek went further, slamming Van Dijk as a 'first class wimp'.
Verbeek: I think Van Dijk is a first-class wimp. I would immediately take away his captain’s armband," he said. "He has to mean a lot more as a captain. He has to put things down. It happens to him. At one point he lets Lutsharel Geertruida drown and then he stands there after the first goal, like: bla bla bla. Where was he then?
If you are 2-0 down after seven minutes, it will be a hell of a job. It’s very bad how we start here. Then you’ll be chasing the facts all evening. We will definitely have to look at this. It is difficult to analyse so soon after the game, but after seven minutes it is already done."
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