Virgil van Dijk voices frustrations as Liverpool star criticized by pundits

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Liverpool FC NewsFeaturesVirgil Van DijkThe Netherlands conceded a late equalizer against Japan at the World Cup, and Dutch pundits Rafael van der Vaart, Pierre van Hooijdonk, and Wim Kieft criticized Ronald Koeman's sideVirgil van Dijk has reacted to the 2-2 draw(Image: Getty Images)Virgil van Dijk has dismissed suggestions that the Netherlands adopted an overly defensive, negative approach while attempting to protect its 2-1 lead against Japan.In the process, the Oranje were pegged back with just one minute of normal time remaining as Daichi Kamada secured a crucial point for the Samurai Blue in their Group F curtain-raiser at the Dallas Stadium.Dutch television pundits Wim Kieft, Pierre van Hooijdonk, and Rafael van der Vaart were unimpressed with the tactical strategy following Crysencio Summerville's goal and implied that Ronald Koeman had instructed his side to retreat. Then you have to switch sides faster."Van de Vaart showed little sympathy for the Netherlands after they were left to rue their missed opportunity.The former Tottenham midfielder remarked during his television analysis: "You kind of brought this upon yourself."It was just starting to look a bit promising, and then suddenly it became very defensive."Van Dijk scored on Sunday(Image: Getty Images)Former Holland forward Van Hooijdonk concurred, stating: "You drop back, but with Summerville and [Donyell] Malen, you take all the speed out of it.

Then you have absolutely no weapons left."Koeman tried to rectify that with [Brian] Brobbey, because with [Memphis] Depay up front, you ended up playing even further away."Manager Koeman admitted he "can live with the result," although the Netherlands will now face increased pressure to deliver against Sweden in their second match.He said: "It is a shame that the 2-2 came from a corner. But I can live with that.

I can live with it. I also saw some very good things."The Netherlands went in front when Van Dijk thundered home a 50th-minute header in off the post.West Ham forward Summerville then restored Oranje's advantage after Keito Nakamura had drawn level before Kamada equalized with a fortuitous header.Choose Liverpool.com as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.Virgil Van DijkLiverpool FCFIFA World Cup