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Ronald Koeman couldn’t help himself as the Netherlands boss took a strange dig at Virgil van Dijk while comparing the Liverpool captain to himself.
Van Dijk has led his country to another World Cup, with the Dutch aiming to end their long wait for the biggest prize in international soccer when they head to the United States, Canada, and Mexico next year.
The Liverpool defender, along with Ryan Gravenberch and Cody Gakpo, wrapped up qualification on Monday with a comfortable 4-0 win over Lithuania - although their place at the tournament was essentially secure after a 1-1 draw with Poland a few days earlier.
Van Dijk also set a new record for his country, having captained the Netherlands more times than anyone else after leading his nation for the 72nd time against Lithuania.
Koeman was full of praise for his skipper after the game, hailing his qualities in leading the Netherlands to another major tournament.
“I just said in my speech that he's the kind of captain you want as a coach," Koeman told NOS (via Voetbal International).
"A true professional, a role model, and a personality in the team. We often talk about what's going on.”
Koeman’s praise took an odd turn, though, as he began to compare Van Dijk with himself. The former Ajax and Barcelona star also played as a defender for much of his career, although he insists the Liverpool captain is a better player than he was.
Despite that admission, Koeman went on to question Van Dijk, suggesting that he goes “wandering” too often during games.
“We're different, of course. He's much better defensively, has more speed, and his height gives him an advantage,” Koeman said.
“But he also always has moments in matches… Is that concentration, has that become easier?
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"Guus Hiddink always said to me, ' Is the adrenaline flowing?' If Virgil is, then there's no one better.
“It's just moments. When we attack, I sometimes see him wandering when he should actually be closing in, because that way, if you lose possession, you get back into the game immediately. And in that game, there's no one stronger than Virgil.
“Sometimes he might be a bit too easy, but that's human nature. I felt that way too. But we need Virgil at his very best."
Van Dijk, along with Gravenberch and Gakpo, will be returning to Liverpool this week as the Reds prepare for their return to Premier League action, with Nottingham Forest awaiting on Saturday.
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