2022/23 was not an easy season for anyone of a Liverpool persuasion.
In hindsight, the limp season after the Reds almost went all the way in a push for the quadruple may even take on some infamy. It was at this period in time that Jurgen Klopp seemingly decided to step down as Liverpool manager.
It wasn’t just Jurgen who was struggling, though. With a couple of exceptions, just about every one of his playing staff was a mile away from their normal level.
Perhaps the most obvious example of this was centre-back Virgil van Dijk. So usually imperious, Van Dijk was poor throughout the season. This led to intense criticism of the 32-year-old, particularly from his homeland. One of those to publicly call him out was former AC Milan midfielder Ruud Gullit. But speaking via Voetbal International this week, Gullit has walked back his previous comments. Kind of.
Gullit walks back Van Dijk criticism
When asked about his previous criticism of Van Dijk, Gullit remained a little bullish.
“And rightly so,” said pundit, when reminded of his harsh words towards Van Dijk. “He didn’t play well either, but he’s growing back to his top now. That’s the level you ask of him. That’s all I’m asking for. He’s also very good.”
“I wouldn’t have criticised him if I didn’t think he was a top player. Then it’s of no use to you. Now it is. And it’s back. He makes good passes, is more direct forward.
“I think he just suffered from that serious injury. He also didn’t play well for a long time. When you see that, you have to say that. Now it’s different, that’s when I’ll say it.”
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Van Dijk getting back to his best
This is fair enough from Gullit. He may not be able to admit that he was wrong, but in reality he probably wasn’t. Van Dijk had a really poor season. At least the former Chelsea manager is now able to give praise when praise is due.
And make no mistake, Virgil deserves his flowers. The 32-year-old has been first-class from pretty much the first minute of the campaign.
There have been one or two costly wobbles in between, but by and large Van Dijk’s level has been outrageously high. He’s back to his best.
The one question that perhaps remains over the defender though, is whether he can truly turn up when it matters for his country.
Gullit’s criticism last year was mainly centered around Van Dijk’s performances and leadership of the Netherlands national team.
Having missed the last Euros through injury, the Reds No.4 will get the chance to lead the Oranje in Germany this summer. That will be his chance to shut the critics down once and for all.
Given the way he’s been performing this season, you have to back Virg to do exactly that. Ronald Koeman’s side may not be the force they were in Gullit’s day, but with the Liverpool captain in this kind of form, they’ll have a chance.
He’s silenced just about everybody he needed to this season. One by one, they’re all coming back around.