Koeman believes Van Dijk has to improve

Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman believes centre-back Virgil van Dijk must improve his game if he is to succeed for the international team.

Liverpool signed van Dijk for £75m in January, and since then the Dutchman has gone from strength to strength at Anfield, significantly improving the Reds’ defence.

However, ex-Everton manager Koeman (who also coached van Dijk at Southampton) thinks the calm attitude of Liverpool’s No. 4 leads him to become complacent during a game, and has told his captain to step up his focus on the pitch.

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SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – Sunday, February 11, 2018: Liverpool’s manager Jürgen Klopp and Virgil van Dijk after the FA Premier League match between Southampton FC and Liverpool FC at St. Mary’s Stadium. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

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“I told Virgil within 30 seconds of the end of the game against France what I thought,” said Koeman.

“I know him so well – and that means I know where all his little faults are.

“Virgil has to improve. Not a lot. But sometimes he is a little too laid back. That needs to change.

“There are moments as a defender when you should be no more than three feet away from the striker you are marking.

“And, particularly in Van Dijk’s case, because of the strength and power he has he is too laid back.”

Van Dijk’s Netherlands team take on Germany on Saturday in the UEFA Nations League match before a friendly with Belgium on Tuesday.

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Source: anfieldhq.com