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Netherlands: Virgil van Dijk questions Louis van Gaal’s tactics

Virgil van Dijk - Netherlands
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The Liverpool star says he is not a fan of Van Gaal’s recent changes to Netherland’s formation.

Netherlands defeated Denmark 4-2 in a friendly game on Saturday. Louis van Gaal continued his unbeaten run, which has started since he took over the national team last year.

The former Bayern Munich coach implemented an unfamiliar 4-2-3-1 formation against Denmark. Despite the victory, the Dutch coach’s decision has caused controversy among observers, who believe the coach must stick to an established plan A ahead of the World Cup.

In an interview after the game, Virgil van Dijk admitted he prefers to play in a 4-3-3 formation.

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“Until today we have been training hard, with lots of tactics and meetings. There are good times but also things to improve,” the Liverpool defender told NOS.

“We will analyse this. Of course, we are playing in a new system, different things are required of the players. But I think we showed a lot of good things.

“Do I like the system? Well, I’m still in favour of 4-3-3 but I’m not the national coach and the national coach has a very strong opinion about it.”

Van Dijk plays in a 4-3-3 formation under Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool. The defender has spoken against Van Gaal’s tactics before, with the manager criticising his attitude.

 “I know he has that preference, he always said this publicly,” the Oranje manager reacted.

“We already had this debate when I came here. The manager decides the tactics.”

Netherland will face Germany in their next friendly game on Tuesday.

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