Jurgen Klopp responds to Virgil van Dijk criticism with clear message - 'Not worth mentioning'

Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Liverpool.com or go back to LFC Live.

Liverpool FC NewsFeaturesJurgen KloppLiverpool legend Jurgen Klopp has responded to Rafael van de Vaart's criticism of Virgil van Dijk after the former Netherlands midfielder made some strong commentsJurgen Klopp before the World Cup game between England and Croatia at Dallas Stadium, Texas.(Image: Marvin Ibo Guengoer - GES Sportfoto/Getty Images)Jurgen Klopp has dismissed criticism of Virgil van Dijk, with the Dutch media and pundits notoriously harsh and the Liverpool skipper having been dug out once again.After the Netherlands drew with Japan on matchday one of the World Cup, former midfielder Rafael van der Vaart spoke out against Van Dijk. The 34-year-old then played in the 5-1 win over Sweden, in which Cody Gakpo was the star of the show, and fellow Liverpool man Ryan Gravenberch impressed too."I have to be honest: I was quite shocked by Van Dijk," Van der Vaart had said between the first and second Netherlands games."With him, I thought: that doesn’t look good.

I hope he starts turning a bit faster during the tournament."Klopp was in no mood to agree with such a suggestion, however. He was asked about the comments amid his work as a pundit at the tournament."I'm not entirely sure if it's worth mentioning Van der Vaart," Klopp is quoted as saying by multiple German outlets, including Welt, while on MagentaTV.Virgil van Dijk during the World Cup Group F match between the Netherlands and Japan at Dallas Stadium(Image: ANP via Getty Images)"But if he ever says something positive about any player at some point, then I'll be happy to take him seriously again."You get the feeling he sees something, and then it has to be formulated in a flowery way, and then he's really against it.

They will play Tunisia next.Last week, Van Dijk and Klopp met while at the tournament in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico together.Get Liverpool's new 2026/27 home kitThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Gaffer and skipper reunited," and another replied, "Our captain and our legend."Liverpool.com says: Van Dijk has never been appreciated in the Netherlands.