Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has been slammed for his lack of leadership skills.

The Dutch centre half did not enjoy the best of seasons with the Anfield side, nor did he have a great World Cup.

While he was hailed as the best player in the world at one stage of his Anfield career, Van Dijk is now a routine scapegoat.

Dutch legend Ruud Gullit wrote in De Telegraaf: “I have been looking for arguments to defend [Holland boss] Ronaldo Koeman and the internationals in the Nations League.

“After all, I have also been a player and you do not like this to happen in a big football event organized in your country.

“After a tremendous fight, I can't defend Koeman and his players. Did you feel like going on vacation?

“Despite the fact that they are idolized by some people in the Netherlands, often to loud applause, I find that these two important players do not measure up when necessary.

“They do not reach the level that can be required of them as decisive international leaders.

“I think Van Dijk and [Frenkie] De Jong don't have leadership skills. Actually, I'm asking them for something they don't have. They need more attention to their own game.

“It's difficult for a coach to work without leaders on the pitch and it's supposed to be that Van Dijk and De Jong should be those leaders."