'Excellent': National media react as 'beautiful' Liverpool player stars during dramatic Netherlands - Spain match
03/24/2025 04:00 AM
The UEFA Nations League has split football fans ever since the competition’s introduction, yet last night was a day to remember for the tournament.
The League A quarter-finals saw some incredibly entertaining matches with two games going to penalties whilst Portugal needed extra-time to get over the line against Denmark, as Italy almost completed an astonishing comeback against Germany.
For Liverpool’sVirgil van Dijk, the Anfield captain saw this Netherlands side crash out against Spain on penalties after an incredible 3-3 draw in Valencia saw both nations score in extra-time to take the tie to spot-kicks.
And Dutch media have now given their verdict on Van Dijk’s performance against Spain, which could go down as a modern classic.
Virgil van Dijk praised after ‘brilliant’ defensive performance
Conceding three goals might not be the mark of a great night at the back for a defender, but for a nation as good as Spain at the moment, Van Dijk put in one heck of a shift at centre-back alongside potential Liverpool target Jan Paul van Hecke.
Voetbal International lauded Van Dijk’s performance as ‘brilliant’ as the Netherlands captain received an 8/10 rating, with Aston Villa left-back Ian Maatsen the only Dutch player to receive a higher score on the night.
De Telegraaf were also impressed with Van Dijk’s performance against Spain, with the Dutch paper lauding the Liverpool star for his ‘beautiful’ role in creating chances for the Netherlands out from the back.
Finally, English-speaking Dutch football site Football Oranje showered Van Dijk with praise for his display in Valencia, with the defender handed a 7.5/10 rated and lauded for his ‘captain-like performance’ against a strong Spain side.
Nations League elimination could be good news for Liverpool
The amount of games top players are now playing in a single calendar year has never been higher, with Van Dijk expected to play 60 or even 70 matches depending how far Liverpool and the Netherlands go in certain competitions.
Which is why Nations League elimination could be good news for Liverpool this year, with the pressure now off for Van Dijk to start every single game for the Netherlands and for the defender to finally get some rest during certain international periods.
Indeed, Van Dijk has been one of Liverpool’s best players this season under Arne Slot, and the Dutch manager will be quietly pleased that the Anfield captain could now be gifted some time off in upcoming national breaks.
