Why Do People Hate Virgil van Dijk?

Virgil van Dijk is considered by many to be one of the best defenders in world football right now. The Dutch centre-back has been a revelation since joining Liverpool in January 2018, helping transform the Reds’ previously leaky backline.

However, while lauded by fans of his club and country, Van Dijk has also been subjected to intense criticism and hatred from opposition supporters. This article will explore some of the main reasons why certain fans seem to harbor an intense dislike for the Liverpool star.

Too Good

One of the main reasons Van Dijk attracts so much criticism is simply because he’s so talented as a defender. Standing at 6’4″ tall, he possesses an imposing physical frame and excels aerially. But it’s his reading of the game, organizational skills and leadership that really help him stand out.

Since his move to Anfield, Liverpool have had one of the tightest defenses in Europe. This has been pivotal to their Champions League and Premier League triumphs under Jurgen Klopp. Van Dijk’s consistently assured and dominant performances have made him a nightmare for opposition attackers.

And for supporters of rival clubs, it can be immensely frustrating to see a defender shutting down your team’s strikers with such ease. Some therefore perceive Van Dijk to be ‘too good’ and this inevitably sparks a degree of resentment.

How has Van Dijk transformed Liverpool’s defense?

• Tightened up previously leaky backline
• Vastly improved organizational skills/leadership
• Aerially dominant and reads game brilliantly
• Key figure in Champions League and Premier League triumphs
• Made Liverpool extremely hard to score against

Perceived Arrogance

Another criticism that gets leveled at Van Dijk is that he comes across as arrogant or cocksure. While self-confidence is an asset for any top-level defender, some believe that the Dutchman’s assuredness spills over into a superior or dismissive demeanor.

There have been occasions where his on-pitch body language could be interpreted as casual or nonchalant. Van Dijk has even cheekily nutmegged opponents in some matches where Liverpool were winning comfortably, which didn’t sit well with all fans.

Some rivals have also accused Van Dijk of being too quick to go to ground, perceiving it as a showboating move. Post-match conduct has also come under scrutiny at times, such as when he laughed at a joke immediately after Liverpool’s comeback win over Barcelona.

Rightly or wrongly, these types of actions reinforce the belief among some that Van Dijk is an arrogant player who lacks respect for opponents. This undoubtedly contributes to the level of hate he receives.

Has Van Dijk been guilty of arrogance or complacency at times?

• Body language and nutmegs perceived as casual
• Criticized for going to ground too easily
• Laughing after Barca comeback seen as disrespectful
• Self-assuredness interpreted as superior by some
• Not helped by status as world’s costliest defender

Plays For Liverpool

Another significant factor is that Virgil van Dijk plays for Liverpool – a club with a massive global fanbase but also one that generates plenty of resentment. The Reds have a storied history and their large, vocal support inevitably irritates rival fans.

As one of Liverpool’s key players and talismanic figures under Jurgen Klopp, Van Dijk is an obvious target for opposition supporters. The fact he helped deliver Champions League and Premier League glory, ending the Reds’ 30-year title drought, fuels even greater dislike from rival fans.

Liverpool also have a reputation for possessing players like Van Dijk who opposition fans love to hate. Other examples include Luis Suarez and Robbie Fowler. As a new symbol of Liverpool’s success, the Dutch defender joins this pantheon of irritating Reds stars.

For supporters of rival clubs, Van Dijk representing Liverpool gives them another reason to direct negativity towards him. The defender is seen as emblematic of a successful era they despise for their team’s fiercest rivals.

How has playing for Liverpool added to opposition fans’ hatred of Van Dijk?

• Huge global fanbase provokes jealousy and resentment
• Helped end Liverpool’s 30-year title drought
• Joining club’s tradition of irritating/disliked stars
• Target for rival fans as symbol of Liverpool’s success
• Key figure in era they despise for fiercest rival

Perceived Constant Fouling

Accusations of constant or cynical fouling have been another criticism directed at Van Dijk. Some rival fans believe the centre-back uses illegal methods to cope with attackers and gets away with it due to his reputation.

There have been controversial flashpoints, such as a robust challenge on Mertens in 2019 that many felt crossed the line. But statistics don’t back up the notion that Van Dijk illicitly fouls on a regular basis.

In the Premier League, he has never been sent off or received more than 3 yellow cards in a season since joining Liverpool. While his physicality and bold defending undoubtedly frustrates opponents, he generally times tackles well and stays within the laws of the game.

Nonetheless, this perception of illegal play persists among some opposition supporters. They view him as a dirty or unsporting defender who uses underhand tactics to stop attackers. This engenders a strong dislike of Van Dijk and tarnishes his reputation in their eyes.

Is the ‘constant fouling’ accusation justified?

• Some contentious flashpoints fuel perception
• But stats don’t back it up – no excessive cards
• Timing/reading of game generally good
• Physicality sparks frustration but mostly fair
• Reputation as world class defender skews perception
• Accusation persists among some rival fans

Rival Club Links

Before joining Liverpool in 2018, Van Dijk nearly signed for a couple of their Premier League rivals. This previous interest from clubs like Manchester City and Chelsea still rankles some supporters of those sides.

In 2016, he chose Southampton over Man City after the clubs agreed a fee. Some City fans feel they narrowly missed out on landing Van Dijk just before he became a world star. There is a sense that Van Dijk ‘got away’ and could have been playing for their club.

With Chelsea, he effectively went on strike to force a move away from Southampton in 2017. This caused anger among Saints’ fans in particular, but also some resentment from Chelsea supporters. They feel Van Dijk showed disrespect and could have joined their club instead.

These lingering feelings over failed transfers feed into some opposition fans’ disenchantment with Van Dijk. The thought he could have been starring for their team adds an extra dimension to the dislike.

How have his nearly-transfers intensified rivals’ hatred?

• Closely linked with Man City before joining Liverpool
• Some City fans feel they narrowly missed out on him
• Effectively went on strike to leave Southampton
• Generated backlash from Saints and Chelsea fans
• Sense he snubbed rivals fuels extra resentment

Perceived Whining

There is also a perception among some fans that Van Dijk excessively complains to referees during games. This ties into the wider criticism that Liverpool are a team of ‘whiners’ and ‘divers’ under Jurgen Klopp.

In reality, while Van Dijk does speak to officials at times, he is far from the worst offender when it comes to constant complaining. Fans are also notoriously selective when judging these behaviors among their own players versus rivals.

Nonetheless, the Dutchman’s stature means his interactions with referees are under heavy scrutiny. Some are quick to interpret his conversations as undue complaining or haranguing of officials. This feeds into the image some supporters have of Van Dijk being arrogant and unlikeable.

Videos shared online mocking his perceived whining also fuel this reputation. For fans already inclined to dislike him, these form part of a wider case against the Liverpool star’s character and conduct.

Is the complaining perception a fair reflection?

• Speaks to referees but far from worst offender
• Liverpool widely seen as ‘whiners’ by rivals
• Selective bias comes into play
• Scrutiny due to his stature as a star player
• Online videos fuel belief he constantly complains
• Feeds into arrogance perception for some

Fees and Accolades

The huge transfer fees Liverpool have paid for Van Dijk also intensify the resentment some supporters feel. When he joined from Southampton for £75 million in 2018, he became the most expensive defender of all time.

This enormous price tag immediately put a massive target on his back. Any mistakes or dips in form were highlighted and used by rival fans to label him overrated and overpriced. Some have also begrudged seeing a rival player receive such colossal investment.

Van Dijk has since more than justified his price tag. But the initial scepticism remains embedded for some. Winning prestigious individual awards like the UEFA Player of the Year has also fueled jealousy and discontent.

Conclusion

Virgil van Dijk undoubtedly splits opinion. For Liverpool and Netherlands fans, he is an irreplaceable star and one of the best defenders in world football. But for many opposition supporters, he encapsulates everything they despise about a successful rival.

The reasons behind the intense dislike Van Dijk provokes among some are multi-faceted. His unquestionable talent and transformative effect at Liverpool generate resentment. Perceptions of arrogance and constant fouling also persist, whether justified or not.

Playing for a hugely successful Liverpool team compounds this. As do his near-transfers to Premier League rivals prior to joining the Reds. Some fans simply cannot accept seeing Van Dijk starring for their most hated opposition.

Of course, not all opposition supporters harbor an intense hatred of the Dutch defender. Those with anti-Liverpool agendas are chiefly responsible. But there is certainly a sizeable group that loves to hate everything about Virgil van Dijk.

The player himself appears content to ignore the noise and focus on delivering success on the pitch. But the whining, criticism and outright vitriol directed his way on social media and forums is unlikely to disappear. For as long as Van Dijk shines for Liverpool, the hatred will remain intense.

FAQs

What are the main reasons people hate Virgil van Dijk?

Some of the key reasons are:

• His talent and transformative effect at Liverpool
• Perceived arrogance and complacency in his playing style
• Associations with Liverpool as a successful rival club
• Near transfers to Chelsea and Man City before joining Liverpool
• Accusations of constant fouling and whining to referees
• His massive transfer fees and individual awards

Do the criticisms of Van Dijk have any validity?

Some are exaggerated or selective perceptions fueled by bias. But there have been legitimate cases of arrogance/complacency. His physicality also frustrates opponents, even if mostly fair. The ‘constant fouling’ claims are largely unsubstantiated though.

Why do Liverpool players like Van Dijk tend to attract more hatred?

Liverpool have a big global fanbase, which many rivals resent. Players like Van Dijk who symbolize the club’s success become lightning rods for this. Liverpool also have a history of irritating but talented stars who opposition fans love to hate.

What impact does the hatred have on Van Dijk?

Outwardly he appears unaffected and remains committed to Liverpool. But the persistent abuse on social media in particular is likely wearing. It perhaps fuels his motivation to keep proving the critics wrong.

Could Van Dijk have lessened the hatred towards him?

Avoiding controversies like laughing after beating Barcelona may have helped marginally. But the root causes of the hatred largely stem from his Liverpool links and elite playing abilities – hard things for him to change.