Fans are telling Virgil van Dijk to hang up his boots after disasterclass against Italy

Fans are shocked to see Virgil van Dijk’s horror show during Netherlands’ clash against Italy.

After losing against Croatia and Spain respectively, Netherlands and Italy faced off in the Nations League third-place play-off on Sunday afternoon.

Ronald Koeman’s men found themselves 2-0 down after 20 minutes due to goals from Federico Dimarco and Davide Frattesi.

In the second half, Van Dijk was subject to major criticism after his defending for Italy’s third goal, scored by Federico Chiesa.

The Liverpool man failed to get close to the winger and allowed him to stroll into the Netherlands box before shooting past goalkeeper Justin Bijlow.

Fans were quick to react to Van Dijk on social media.

One said: “Van Dijk is rattled, he might need to hang the boots up.”

Another tweeted: “Van Dijk it’s time to hang the boots up fella.”

A third fan added: “Another day, another Van Dijk disasterclass, his decline is frightening.”

Someone else wrote: “What has happened to ‘best defender ever’ Van Dijk??”

Whilst a fifth commented: “Van Dijk should deffo hang up his boots imagine getting sat down by a grandad.”

During the half-time interval, former Dutch international Rafael Van der Vaart said: “With the first goal you can already tell that these players are not bothered to give everything.

“Look at Van Dijk, with his half-effort jump, and Geertruida doesn't seem to think for one second 'hey, my house is on fire’.”

During Liverpool's title-winning season back in 19/20, Van Dijk was an integral part of Jurgen Klopp's defence as they eased to the Premier League crown.

However, since suffering a serious knee injury during the 20/21 season, Van Dijk has found it difficult to recapture his best football.

Speaking recently about the criticism he has faced, the Liverpool man said: "I don't feel too big to be vulnerable. It has been quite an intense season, with many ups and downs and people must understand that we aren't robots. It has been a year in which I learned a lot - especially off the pitch, and certainly mentally."

Italy ended up winning 3-2 and secured third place in the Nations League.