Former Netherlands international Rafael van der Vaart has launched a scathing critique of Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong following the Dutch national team's disappointing World Cup elimination at the hands of Morocco.
Van der Vaart did not hold back, labeling De Jong's performance in the crucial match as the "worst game I’ve ever seen from him." The pundit went as far as to describe the usually influential midfielder as "invisible" on the pitch, a stark assessment given De Jong's usual stature.
However, Van der Vaart did not solely place the blame on the player. He pointed a finger at manager Ronald Koeman's tactical setup, specifically highlighting the decision to adopt a conservative five-man defense. Van der Vaart argued that this tactical shift inadvertently isolated De Jong, leaving the midfield vulnerable and without adequate support.
The former player questioned Koeman's strategic choice to field only two central midfielders against a formidable Moroccan midfield. He believes this setup starved De Jong of the ball, preventing him from dictating play and ultimately rendering him ineffective throughout the encounter.
The Netherlands' World Cup journey came to an abrupt and painful end after a tense penalty shootout, with Morocco emerging victorious 3-2. This outcome followed a late Moroccan equalizer that forced the match into extra time, a dramatic turn of events that sealed the Dutch fate.
The defeat has inevitably led to significant introspection within the Dutch camp. Questions are being raised about the team's overall tactical approach during the tournament and considerations are already being made regarding the future composition of the squad.
De Jong, a key figure for both Barcelona and the Netherlands, found himself unable to exert his usual influence in a match of paramount importance. His perceived lack of impact was a significant talking point in the post-match analysis.
The criticism from a respected figure like Van der Vaart underscores the disappointment felt by many Dutch fans and experts, adding another layer of pressure on both the players and the coaching staff as they regroup after this World Cup setback.
