"It's easy..." - Virgil van Dijk responds to brutal criticism over World Cup display

Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has hit back at former Netherlands striker Marco van Basten after the latter was quick to criticise his performances at the World Cup.

Van Dijk is the Netherlands captain under manager Louis van Gaal and has received criticism after they drew 1-1 to Ecuador earlier this week.

Many on social media picked out Van Dijk's defending and blamed him for Ecuador's equaliser.

It seems as though some pundits also believed the Liverpool man was at fault for the goal, including Van Basten.

What did the pair say about each other?

In the post-game show on NOS, Van Basten addressed Ecuador's equalising goal: "Van Dijk is just waiting and watching him shoot.

"What is he looking at? He needs to be on top of him! He just lets him shoot!"

The former Dutch striker then had another go at the Liverpool man's defending: "Van Dijk is actually the best man, but does the least in terms of initiative," Van Basten told Ziggo Sport.

"It is actually very strange that such a very good player does so little for the Dutch national team in the build-up," he added.

Van Dijk was then asked about his thoughts on Van Basten's comments and he said: "I don't think he is ever positive, so what am I supposed to do with it? It's easy to talk from the studio.

"Me failing as a captain? What do you want me to do with that info? I am always up front. I lead the team the best way possible."