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Dutch national team captain Virgil Van Dijk commented on the errors of his teammate across the international break.
Liverpool captain Virgil Van Dijk recently commented on his compatriot, Matthijs de Ligt’s string of errors this international break.
De Ligt’s horror show
The 25-year-old has had a torrid time with the Dutch national team this break, committing blunders in the games against Bosnia Herzegovina and Germany.
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While the Dutch managed to beat Bosnia, they were not as lucky against Julian Nagelsmann's side, as they drew 2-2, with De Ligt in the picture for both goals.
The Netherlands had a good start to the game and took the lead through Tijani Reijnders, but the former Juventus man’s error helped Denis Undav pull Germany level. He was again suspect defensively just before halftime, and Joshua Kimmich capitalised, giving his side the lead.
Ronald Koeman's side managed to rescue a point thanks to a second-half strike from Denzel Dumfries, but it did not save De Ligt from criticism.
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What was said
De Ligt was coming off a 3-0 defeat to Van Dijk’s Liverpool before the international break, and after the error against Germany, his national team captain had the following advice for him.
“This is football, Van Dijk said. “You have to learn from this. It was one moment but at the highest level you will get punished for it.”
Ronaldo Koeman had to yank off the former Ajax man at halftime. Speaking to reporters after the game, he explained his decision.
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“Of course I would rather have kept Matthijs de Ligt on the pitch,” he said. “It just looks like he is now in a period where all his mistakes are being punished.
“I gave him a new chance today, but eventually protected him by taking him off.”
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