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Jurgen Klopp Slams Rafael van der Vaart For Virgil van Dijk Comments

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Jurgen Klopp has hit out at Rafael van der Vaart for his comments about Virgil van Dijk at the 2026 World Cup.

Liverpool star Van Dijk, now 34, was included in the Netherlands’ 26-man squad for this summer’s tournament, which is being co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.

He was named in his nation’s starting lineup for their tournament opener against Japan, scoring as the match ended 2-2.

Van Dijk, still considered one of the best centre-backs in the world, started once again in the Netherlands’ second group game against Sweden on Saturday afternoon. He played the full match as Ronald Koeman’s side ran out comfortable 5-1 victors.

Van Dijk’s former manager at Liverpool, Klopp, appeared on German TV ahead of the Netherlands’ second game, and he felt the need to address comments made by Van der Vaart about Van Dijk.

Jurgen Klopp Slams Rafael van der Vaart

Virgil van Dijk in action for the Netherlands at the World Cup Pawel Andrachiewicz/PressFocus via Reuters

Van der Vaart has developed a reputation for being one of the most outspoken pundits in world football. He isn’t afraid to criticise players and speak his mind.

The Dutchman was not very complimentary of Van Dijk at all for his performance against Japan. Speaking between the first and second Netherlands games, he said on NOS TV, per the Daily Mail:

“I have to be honest: I was quite shocked by Van Dijk. With him, I thought: that doesn’t look good. Especially while turning. It is proving very difficult. A bit like a Boeing 747 turning. I hope he starts turning a bit faster during the tournament.”

Klopp has now fired back at Van der Vaart as he addressed his comments about Van Dijk. He said: “I’m not entirely sure if it’s worth mentioning Van der Vaart.

“But if he ever says something positive about any player at some point, then I’ll be happy to take him seriously again. You get the feeling he sees something, and then it has to be formulated in a flowery way, and then he’s really against it. But that way it’s really not important.”

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Virgil van Dijk Suffers Injury Scare vs Sweden

Virgil van Dijk suffers an injury in Netherlands vs Sweden at the 2026 World Cup REUTERS/Phil Noble

Van Dijk suffered an injury scare against Sweden when he collapsed to the ground. The 34-year-old was able to shake off the knock and continue, though.

Speaking after the match, Van Dijk detailed the injury, revealing he ‘couldn’t feel his upper leg’. He told NOS TV after the match, per Goal:

“I took a hard hit to my hip and I couldn’t feel my upper leg anymore, so that was a little bit crazy. But it was probably just a pinched nerve. I think it is not too bad, but we will see shortly.”

Netherlands currently top Group F, having picked up four points from their opening two games. They’ll be looking to clinch top spot with a victory over Tunisia on Thursday, June 25.

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Tuchel Has Already Made Feelings Clear

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Thomas Tuchel already made his feelings clear about England supporters’ chants directed at Keir Starmer, after expletive-ridden songs rang out in the Three Lions’ win over Andorra in September 2025. Politics, once more, found their way onto the terraces.

Ahead of the World Cup qualifier, some fans were even spotted selling “stop the boats” flags, while the UK Prime Minister became the subject of further abuse from sections of the Holte End amid debates over the current immigration policies. To the tune of The White Stripes’ 2003 hit Seven Nation Army, large sections of the crowd could be heard chanting: “Keir Starmer is a w*****.”

The chants were heard again during England’s World Cup win against Croatia, despite FIFA warning there could be punishments for doing so. That didn’t stop those who seemed more intent on shifting the focus away from football altogether – and onto the government.

Thomas Tuchel on Anti-Keir Starmer Chants

England boss Thomas Tuchel

Similar foul-mouthed chants could be heard as England defeated Andorra in the reverse fixture back in June last year. To the tune of KC & The Sunshine Band’s hit Give It Up, they could be heard singing: “Na-na, na-na, na-na, na-na-na-na now, Starmer is a ****, is a ****, Starmer is a ****.”

Supporters at RCDE Stadium, Espanyol’s stadium that became Andorra’s temporary home venue due to its more modern facilities, also chanted: “Keir Starmer is a w****r, is a w****r.” Listen to some England supporters’ chants in a previous game below:

After the game back in June, Tuchel said he did not hear any of the songs in question, but made it very clear what he thought about the matter. As per the Daily Mail, he told reporters:

“If it happened, it’s not acceptable. But I didn’t hear any offensive songs or chants.”

Keir Starmer

The Three Lions have made a strong start to their World Cup campaign after an opening-day victory against old foes Croatia. They head into games against Ghana and Panama needing just three points to ensure their passage into the knockout rounds.

Starmer, a keen football fan, might have some more time on his hands to cheer on his country. The Prime Minister is expected to resign from his post.

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Fabio Capello Named 4 Players in Football History Who Are a Level Above Cristiano Ronaldo

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Fabio Capello has seen some of the greatest players to ever play football up close and personal across his years in the game. Whether he was lacing up his boots to play against the game’s greats or managing them from the dugout, the Italian veteran has seen it all.

The former England manager didn’t hesitate at all when asked to name the greatest players in football history, as he gave four names instantly. He even brushed off Cristiano Ronaldo – who is considered the GOAT by some – as not being on the same level as his favourites.

Selecting two players who had already hung up their boots well before the 21st century came around and another pair who will be more familiar to the younger generation of fans, it’s hard to argue with the selections Capello made.

Pele

The first name out of his mouth was that of Brazil’s greatest-ever player, Pele. The man who won three World Cups can’t really be argued with. Capello even played against the wonderfully talented goalscorer. Whenever the conversation surrounding the best players to pull on a pair of boots comes up, the third-highest scorer in history (762 goals) is never far away.

“Pele. I played against him once.”

Diego Maradona

Where Pele goes, Diego Maradona follows. Before the early 2000s, no one could claim to compare to the two superstars who revolutionised the sport and transcended football in many ways. The Argentine wasn’t only capable of doing magical things with a ball at his feet, but he was a larger-than-life personality who will never be forgotten.

Capello named Maradona as part of the most talented trio he’s ever witnessed take to a football pitch. He was a coach in the Italian top-flight when Maradona was at the top of his game at Napoli, so he will have seen his brilliance up close.

Lionel Messi

The other player Capello considers in the top category of footballers is, of course, Lionel Messi. The number of people denying that the former Barcelona superstar is the most talented player of all time is dwindling and there are very few left. Capello was full of praise for the trio he named as the best he’d witnessed: “These three players, they have extra imagination. They make something that you cannot understand.”

It’s not the first time he’s waxed lyrical about the immensely talented triumvirate, either, as he previously put them in a category of their own in a 2019 interview. Capello labelled them all ‘geniuses’, while hammering home his point that Cristiano Ronaldo isn’t on the same level:

“There are three geniuses in football: Pele, Maradona and Messi. Period. [Cristiano] Ronaldo is very strong as he lets you win everything, but Messi is a genius and something else.”

Ronaldo Nazario

A player Capello managed during his long and storied career in the dugout, Ronaldo Nazario, is the man he claimed is just a level below Pele, Maradona and Messi. Admitting there’s not much in it, the 80-year-old put R9 in his own bracket, while again playing down his namesake’s status alongside the true greats:

“Ronaldo is just behind but just a little. Brazilian Ronaldo. Not Cristiano. Cristiano is a good player, but not this level.”

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Celtic Plot Move For ‘Brilliant’ World Cup Star

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Now they have sorted out who will be leading the team on a permanent basis, Celtic can start to make plans for the summer transfer window.

Having sacked Brendan Rodgers and then Wilfried Nancy during the 2025/26 campaign, the Bhoys turned to familiar face Martin O’Neill to guide them in the final few months of the Scottish Premiership season.

And the Northern Irishman did a stunning job, turning Celtic‘s fortunes around and winning the title in dramatic style on the final day of the season with victory over Hearts, who had led the way for much of the season.

O’Neill eyes move for New Zealand star

New Zealand winger Elijah Just attempts to win the ball

It was only supposed to be an interim spell, but O’Neill has been handed the reins at Parkhead on a permanent basis once more and he will now be looking at what business he can do in the summer transfer window.

One player who has been linked with a move to the Glasgow giants is Elijah Just, who came to the fore at the World Cup, showing anyone who has not watched a lot of Scottish football just what he is capable of with a brace in New Zealand’s 2-2 draw with Iran in the opening Group G encounter.

Speaking after that game, Just said: “It’s difficult to put into words, I was just buzzing to score the first and then I got the opportunity in the second half and I saw it in the back of the net, it was an incredible feeling.

“Running over and seeing my team-mates and how happy they were – that will stay with me for the rest of my life.”

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Just plays his football with Motherwell, where he scored seven goals and laid on eight assists in the 2025/26 campaign, averaging a goal involvement in every other game he played.

Celtic have been long-term admirers of the 26-year-old Kiwi and according to Football Insider they are preparing to accelerate their interest in the winger once his involvement in the World Cup comes to an end.

Just could be a player in demand this summer

Celtic caretaker manager Martin O'Neill looks on during win vs Stuttgart

Celtic are likely to face competition from a number of other clubs in his signature, but Just is high on O’Neill’s wishlist when it comes to new signings this summer as he looks to strengthen in forward areas.

Just arrived in Scotland last summer from the Danish league, having also played in the Austrian league since making the move over to Europe from New Zealand.

And he made Motherwell captain Paul McGinnn eat his words.

McGinn said: “I looked at him and thought, ‘Scottish football, you could be in bother here’. When you look at a player like that, a guy who is diminutive and left-footed, you think he’s a flair player. But he’s not. He’s a grafter, he works his socks off, he’s been absolutely brilliant.”

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