Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterJurgen Klopp has hit back at a series of incendiary comments made by former Netherlands attacker Rafael van der Vaart.The Netherlands prevailed in a 5-1 victory against Sweden on Saturday, after drawing their opener against Japan in an action-packed 2-2 stalemate.Van der Vaart was quick to criticise Virgil van Dijk, even after a comprehensive victory, which did not go down well with the centre-back's former manager at Liverpool.Play our FREE match predictor and win �1kJurgen Klopp fires back at 'attention-seeking' Rafael van der Vaart, after former Netherlands attacker criticises Virgil van DijkJurgen Klopp is making it a habit to defend his former players amidst media and pundit criticism, despite his Anfield reign concluding two years ago.The German was quick to defend Mohamed Salah late last year, after his former player came under scrutiny for an inflammatory interview. You may like 'Ibrahima Konate makes a mistake every game, Virgil van Dijk is still one of Liverpool's best' Is Jamie Carragher's summation of Liverpool's defence really fair? Arne Slot tipped for Netherlands job after World Cup - live on ITV How to watch Netherlands vs Sweden for FREE Now, Klopp has came to Van Dijk's aid, after the former Netherlands attacker described him as akin to a Boeing 747 in his movements.Speaking about the centre-back's speed, Van Der Vaart said: "I have to be honest: I was quite shocked by Van Dijk.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over."I thought, 'that doesn't look good.' Especially while turning... a bit like a Boeing 747 turning. I hope he starts turning a bit faster during the tournament," he concluded.In response, Klopp was ruthless in his total shutting down of Van Der Vaart's opinion, describing the former Netherlands attacker as "not worth mentioning.""If he ever says something positive about any player at some point, then I'll be happy to take him seriously again," said the German. What to read next Netherlands squad World Cup 2026: Ronald Koeman's squad to face Japan The Netherlands are the World Cup 2026 dark horses people aren't talking about enough 'I've been there: he's fearless and it's not pleasant' ITV pundits gush over Liverpool target Klopp continued: "You get the feeling he sees something, and then it has to be formulated in a flowery way."And then he's really against it. But that way, it's really not important," said the German, questioning the integrity of Van Der Vaart's criticism.Van Dijk and the Netherlands currently top Group F with four points, despite tying on points, goal difference and head-to-head vs Japan.Ronald Koeman's men return to 2026 World Cup action against bottom of the group Tunisia on Friday, hoping to maintain their top spot.TOPICSVirgil van DijkJrgen KloppNetherlandsLiverpoolWorld Cup 2026Kedar BayleySocial Links NavigationFreelance WriterKedar Bayley is a trained journalist specialising in culture reporting. As a fan of Liverpool FC,he writes on the Reds often. Knowledgable about all things sports, cinema and television,you can find his words in Screen International, FourFourTwo, Manchester Evening News and more.
