Struggles of Van Dijk and De Jong: Leadership Questions Arise as Netherlands Face Uphill Battle in Euro Qualifiers

 Struggles of Van Dijk and De Jong: Leadership Questions Arise as Netherlands Face Uphill Battle in Euro Qualifiers

Virgil van Dijk of Netherlands looks dejected after the UEFA Nations League 2022/23 third-place match between Netherlands and Italy at FC Twente Stadium on June 18, 2023, in Enschede, Netherlands. (Getty)

Virgil van Dijk and Frank de Jong have experienced triumphs in their careers. Van Dijk, who was previously with Liverpool for five seasons, has won almost all possible trophies, including the Champions League. De Jong, who has spent four years with Barcelona, has won three trophies. Both Liverpool and Barcelona are prestigious clubs where they can learn many things and gain experience alongside star players.

However, these experiences in club football do not necessarily translate into success in international football for Van Dijk and De Jong. Despite both players representing the Netherlands national team in more than 50 matches, they have struggled in crucial matches. Recently, in the UEFA Nations League semifinals, the Netherlands lost to Italy in a match that determined third place. They conceded seven goals in two matches, including a 4-0 defeat against France in the Euro qualifiers.

After being eliminated by Argentina in the quarterfinals of the Qatar World Cup, Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal stepped down, and Ronald Koeman took charge. However, Koeman has not been able to turn the tide for the national team, as they have suffered defeats in those three matches. The only match they won was against Gibraltar, ranked 201st in the FIFA rankings. Van Dijk has led the team in all matches.

Holland coach Ronald Koeman during the UEFA Nations League match for third place between the Netherlands and Italy at stadium De Grolsveste on June 18, 2023, in Enschede, Netherlands.(Getty)

In football, when a team performs poorly, the blame usually falls on the coach. However, the performance decline of the Netherlands cannot be solely attributed to Koeman's coaching. Observers believe that it is a lack of leadership qualities between Van Dijk and De Jong. The top Dutch daily, De Telegraaf, quoted Van Gaal as saying, "I think Van Dijk and De Jong lack the leadership qualities to lead the team. I want something that they don't have. They should be more dedicated to their own game and be more attentive to the team. It becomes difficult for a coach to work when there is a lack of leadership in the team."

The Netherlands' biggest success in football history was their victory in the 1988 Euro. Ruud Gullit was the captain of that team. They scored goals in the final against the Soviet Union, securing their only major trophy to date.

Van Dijk and De Jong are enjoying a break after a long season. They will return to international football representing the Netherlands in the UEFA Euro qualifiers against Greece on September 7. Failing to earn points in that match will make the equation for advancing to the main stage of the Euro even more challenging for the Dutch.