Virgil van Dijk weakness exposed after Netherlands defeat to Germany

Virgil van Dijk endured an evening to forget on Sunday as the Netherlands were beaten 3-2 by Germany in European Championship qualifying.

Ronald Koeman’s men looked to be heading for a point in Amsterdam after coming from two goals down to level proceedings at 2-2 but Nico Schulz won it late on for Germany.

Van Dijk was caught napping for Die Mannschaft’s first and second goals, first of all labouring back into position to allow Man City’s Leroy Sane space to capitalise on a Matthijs de Ligt slip and score, before then giving Serge Gnabry too much room as the former Arsenal man cut in from the left flank and found the top corner with a rasping drive.

The big defender has received plenty of plaudits this season and is the favourite to scoop the PFA Player of the Year award – but some supporters believe they have finally discovered his weakness.

Tbh, I think Van Dijk's weakness is basically speedy players. He excels against people like Lewandoski and Lukaku because they are power forwards. Someone like Rashford would cause him problems. Look how many times Sane has gotten past him this year alone.

— United Blood (@felix_szn) March 24, 2019

Van Dijk being torn apart. Can't deal with the movement and pace of Germany. Will never forget when Martial destroyed him in his 1st start. Will never rate him

— Nick Diaz Army m*therf*ckers (@Chilled_DJ) March 24, 2019

First time in a long time I’ve seen Virgil Van Dijk look as unsettled as this. Fluidity, speed and intelligence of movement from Gmabry and Sane is turning him inside out.

— John Webster 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 (@johnauldwebster) March 24, 2019