Dutch pundit launches astonishing rant after Liverpool duo criticized - 'Lost their minds'

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Liverpool duo Virgil van Dijk and Cody Gakpo have been strongly defended in their home country, with one Dutch pundit hitting out at the English media for its treatment of the duo

Cody Gakpo and Virgil van Dijk have been defended after recent criticism of the Liverpool duo(Image: Getty Images)

Virgil van Dijk and Cody Gakpo have been defended in the Netherlands amid recent criticism of the Liverpool duo, with the UK’s media accused of ‘losing their minds’ over the duo.

Both players were in action during the international break as they started both of their country’s friendlies against Norway and Ecuador, with Van Dijk scoring in the former. Ryan Gravenberch and Jeremie Frimpong were also involved, although the latter picked up an injury on Tuesday to create more concern for Liverpool.

Nevertheless, Van Dijk and Gakpo have been earning plaudits for their performances over the past week, which will come as some encouragement for the Reds.

The pair have faced some criticism this season amid what has been a dismal season for Liverpool. Gakpo in particular has been slammed for his performances, with Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher among those to have recently called for him to be dropped by Arne Slot.

Both Gakpo and Van Dijk though have been defended back at home by Dutch pundit Hans Kraay Jr. The former Brighton defender was full of praise for the pair after the 2-1 win over Norway, with Van Dijk described as “sovereign” after his goal.

And Kraay Jr. took aim at the English media as he launched a strong defense of the duo.

“In England, the analysts, columnists, and the self-proclaimed know-it-alls have completely lost their minds,” he told Voetbal International.

Virgil van Dijk has been defended back in home country(Image: Getty Images)

“After four league matches this season, Van Dijk was dubbed the very best central defender ever in the Premier League. Four matches later, and two Arne Slot defeats further along, it was more or less over for Virgil.

“In short: almost the end of Virgil van Dijk’s career. And those same people who praised Van Dijk so highly suddenly think that Cody Gakpo is completely over the hill.”

Van Dijk and Gakpo will now return to Liverpool for what is set to be a crucial couple of months to end the season.

The Reds return to action against Manchester City in the FA Cup on Saturday, before traveling to France four days later for the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final against Paris Saint-Germain.

Slot’s side also still has plenty of work to do in the Premier League, with Liverpool sitting fifth with seven games to go as its place in next season’s Champions League remains in the balance.

Liverpool.com says: Fair enough defending your fellow countrymen, but Van Dijk and Gakpo certainly shouldn't be immune from criticism this season. The latter especially has been disappointing this season, although some of the vitriol that has been aimed at him has gone too far at times.