Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk bites back after Netherlands legend Marco van Basten blamed him for Ecuador equaliser at World Cup – ‘Is he ever positive?’

Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk has hit back at Dutch legend Marco van Basten who claimed he was at fault for Ecuador's equaliser on Friday.

Louis van Gaal's side are still at risk of failing to qualify for the knockout stages of the 2022 World Cup, after throwing away a 1-0 lead against Ecuador on Friday.

3

Ex-West Ham and Everton star Enner Valencia netted in the 48th minute to cancel out Cody Gakpo's first half opener, leading to a 1-1 draw.

And Van Basten - who was part of the Netherlands squad that won Euro '88 - blamed Van Dijk for Ecuador's goal.

The Liverpool defender had failed to stop Pervis Estupinan's strike, which was parried across to goalscorer Valencia.

"Van Dijk is just waiting and watching him shoot," Van Basten told NOS in response to Ecuador's equaliser.

"What is he looking at? He needs to be on top of him! He just lets him shoot!

"He doesn't take the lead. He takes care of nothing in the team. He makes a sound, but he doesn't say anything. This is what he does."

3

Most read in Football

Kane makes Premier League transfer decision as release clause set to drop

Man City make Grealish decision, Kane deals transfer blow, Chelsea outcast to Germany

Ex-England star separated from rival as chaotic Baller League brawl breaks out

Arsenal prepare for UCL semi-final, Arteta ready for 'biggest game Emirates has seen'

The Netherlands skipper was then asked about Van Basten's remarks in his post-match interview, and Van Dijk - who has had a mixed season in club football with Liverpool - pulled no punches.

He said: "I don't think he is ever positive, so what am I supposed to do with it? It's easy to talk from the studio.

"Me failing as a captain? What do you want me to do with that info? I am always up front. I lead the team the best way possible."

This isn't the first time Van Basten has questioned Van Dijk.

3

Back when the Netherlands beat Poland and Belgium in the Nations League in September, he 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."

The pressure is on for Van Dijk and the Netherlands, given they failed to qualify for the last World Cup and Euro 2016 and they're favourites in Group A.

Van Gaal's side next face Qatar on Tuesday, who have already been knocked out of the competition after losing to both Senegal and Ecuador, which you can listen to live on talkSPORT.