Virgil van Dijk Advocates for Mindful Criticism in Football

Virgil van Dijk’s ascent to prominence in the football world has been marked by a remarkable journey through Groningen, Celtic, and Southampton, ultimately culminating in his transfer to Liverpool in January 2018 for a substantial fee of £75 million ($102 million). Since joining the Reds, he has celebrated numerous domestic and Champions League victories.

This season, Liverpool has faced some challenges, particularly following a significant spending spree in the summer of 2025, which has drawn criticism. Van Dijk found himself in a public exchange with Manchester United icon Wayne Rooney, underscoring the pressures players face in the spotlight.

In a conversation with Gary Neville on Sky Sports, Van Dijk emphasized the need for former players to exercise thoughtfulness when commenting on contemporary stars. He noted, “For me personally, I can handle it, but I worry for the next generation. I believe that ex-top players hold a responsibility towards newer athletes.

“Criticism is a natural part of the game and should remain so. However, some comments serve merely as clickbait, aiming to provoke without considering the psychological impact on players, especially younger ones who are heavily engaged with social media. While I often advise them to limit their social media use, it’s hard to ignore the praise after a good performance and the harsh backlash following a poor one. This can significantly affect players, as seen in many cases, both past and present.

“The situation may worsen as the prevalence of clickbait and sensationalized headlines continues. I feel that former professionals, especially those who have experienced the game’s pressures, have a duty to protect the mental well-being of the players. It is an aspect that deserves attention.”

When asked about a future in punditry or coaching, Van Dijk stated, “I would never say never, as I believe I have a platform to make a positive impact, but I do not envision myself as a pundit or a coach. Transitioning from one high-pressure environment to another without control over match outcomes doesn’t appeal to me.

“I am passionate about inspiring upcoming talent and frequently visit the academy. I want to ensure that the youth tournament I organize becomes the largest U13 tournament globally. I understand the significance of such opportunities for young players and find great joy in it. However, there is still time to consider my future.”

Currently, Van Dijk’s focus remains on supporting Liverpool in finishing the 2025-26 campaign on a high note, as they aim for glory in both the Champions League and FA Cup, along with striving for a top-four finish in the Premier League.

When asked about the necessity of Champions League football for the next season, Van Dijk affirmed, “Absolutely, I want to play in the Champions League, and so does everyone else. As I approach the final year of my contract, securing Champions League qualification is crucial, and we are working diligently towards that goal.

“I still believe this season has the potential to be special, despite the challenges we’ve faced over the summer and early part of the season, including injuries. We remain competitive in the Champions League and the FA Cup, so we’ll see how it unfolds. However, consistency and enjoyment are vital, as we are privileged to represent this club and play beautiful football.”

Liverpool is set to face a significant test on Sunday against Manchester City, where Van Dijk will once again contend with the formidable Norwegian striker Erling Haaland. Arne Slot’s squad currently sits sixth in the Premier League table.