When you play football at the top level, you are constantly evaluated – and criticized. You can’t have a bad day at work when you represent the club, especially not when you rake in a salary that we other “mortals” can only dream of. On the ball island, it has become a separate industry with former Premier League stars who every single week give “their verdict” on individual players or coaches. When you also do this in front of a microphone and are quoted by all the world’s media – then you have power. Ruben Amorim couldn’t understand why United legend Neville had “bitten his leg” and criticised the United manager week in and week out. Now Virgil van Dijk points a finger at England’s legends who give themselves the power to give thumbs up or down for players and coaches – that comes with a great responsibility.
Virgil van Dijk has previously been in a “discussion” with Wayne Rooney about some comments he made about the Liverpool star. Now one of the world’s best centre-backs is sending a harsh message to Rooney and a handful of Premier League legends who criticise players every single matchday.
READ: Time Liverpool show ostracized player that ‘you’ll never walk alone’
“For me personally, I can handle criticism well, but I’m a little worried about the next generation. I feel that former top players have a responsibility to the new generation. Criticism is completely normal and part of the game, and I think that’s the way it should be, but sometimes criticism also turns into clickbait – you say things to provoke without thinking about the consequences for the players’ mental well-being.
“Especially for the younger generation, who are constantly on social media. You could say that they shouldn’t be on social media. I have also said that to them many times. When playing a good match, young players check all the positive comments. But when you have a weaker match, and you get exposed on social media or get harsh criticism, it can really affect you. I’ve seen it with some players in the past – and also with some today. It’s not easy,” Van Dijk concludes to Sky Sports.
Read on English Clubs: Leicester punished severely at the worst possible time
