Marco van Basten criticises Virgil van Dijk's 'very strange' Holland displays, insisting the Liverpool defender does 'so little' in their build-up play... but the Dutch legend is full of praise for his defensive partner Jurrien Timber

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Marco van Basten has criticised Virgil van Dijk for his recent performances for the Dutch national team - claiming he 'does so little'.

Following a 1-0 win over Belgium and a 2-0 win over Poland, Van Basten's criticism seems to be coming at a strange time after consecutive clean sheets for the Liverpool star.

However, Van Dijk's performances haven't been up to the 57-year-old's standards - especially when compared to his centre back partner Jurrien Timber. 

Marco van Basten has said that Virgil van Dijk 'does so little' for the Holland national team 

Speaking to Ziggo Sport after the win against Belgium, Van Basten said: 'Van Dijk is actually the best man, but does the least in terms of initiative.

'It is actually very strange that such a very good player does so little for the Dutch national team in the build-up.' 

Van Dijk has been out of form for club side Liverpool so far this term - and according to Van Basten it appears that this has translated to international duty. 

Despite the criticism for Van Dijk, the three-time Ballon d'Or winner was full of praise for Timber. 

According to Van Basten, Van Dijk (pictured)  'does the least in terms of initiative' for Holland

It seems that the 21-year-old has impressed Van Basten in a direct contrast to Van Dijk - particularly with the ball. 

'Timber is a really good builder,' said the former Holland assistant coach. 'Ajax really started to play well because of this man, and so did the Dutch national team. 

'It is really thanks to him that we play so easily from the back. He is really a top player.'

Timber was heavily linked with a move to Manchester United in the summer but was persuaded to stay with Ajax for another season.

Holland will be hoping that Timber can continue his good form and that Van Dijk will be able to improve on his performances ahead of the upcoming World Cup in Qatar.  

21-year-old Jurrien Timber has impressed Van Basten with his 'really good' build-up play