Van Dijk urges pundits to consider impact of criticism on players | OneFootball

Virgil Van Dijk says former players working as pundits need to think carefully about the impact their criticism can have on today’s footballers, particularly younger players coming through.

The Liverpool captain made the point during a conversation with Gary Neville, the former Manchester United defender who has become one of the most prominent voices in football media.

Van Dijk warned that analysis can sometimes drift into attention-seeking territory, with comments designed to provoke reactions rather than offer genuine insight, and without enough consideration for players’ mental wellbeing.

While he admitted he can handle criticism himself, the Dutch defender said he is more concerned about how the next generation copes with the constant scrutiny.

It is not the first time Van Dijk has raised the issue this season. In November, he described Wayne Rooney’s criticism of Liverpool’s leadership as “lazy”, before later revisiting the topic when the pair appeared together on Amazon Prime following a Champions League win over Real Madrid.

Speaking to Sky Sports, van Dijk said: "Personally, I can deal with it but I am a bit worried for the next generation. It's not as easy as everyone thinks.

"I feel like the ex-top players have a responsibility to the new generation.

"Criticism is normal and a part of the game, and I think it should stay there. But sometimes criticism goes to clickbait, saying things to provoke, without thinking of the repercussions or mental side of the players.

"Especially the younger generation who are constantly on social media. You could say 'you shouldn't be on social media.' That's what I have mentioned loads of times.

"When you play a good game, younger players check the positive praise. When you have less of a good game and you get bullied on social media, or get bad criticism, it can really affect you. I have seen that in certain players in the past.

"It's just not easy. We can all say 'just deal with it' but I think it will get worse and worse - the clickbait, the headlines, everyone is on it constantly.

"Especially the ex-pros, the top players who have been through everything as well at the highest level, I think they have responsibility even if they are a part of a big company or a big audience.

"Criticism is a part of the game and should stay, it is normal, especially from ex pros who have been in that particular situation, and maybe have dealt with it.

"I think that is something, maybe, to look at."