Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has raised concerns over the impact of harsh criticism from former players turned pundits on the mental well-being of young footballers, warning that reckless commentary can cause lasting damage in the age of social media.
Speaking to Sky Sports’ Gary Neville, Van Dijk acknowledged that criticism is a normal part of the game but argued that it increasingly crosses the line into clickbait designed to provoke reactions rather than offer constructive insight. He stressed that such commentary often ignores the psychological effects on players, particularly younger ones who are constantly exposed to online abuse.
“I feel like the ex-top players have a responsibility to the new generation,” Van Dijk said, as he addressed the growing culture of harsh analysis in modern football. While acknowledging that scrutiny is unavoidable, the Dutch defender insisted that it must not cross into harmful territory.
“Criticism is absolutely normal and part of the game, and I think it should stay that way,” he added. “But sometimes criticism also goes into being clickbait, saying things to provoke things, and without thinking about the repercussions for the mental side of players, and especially the younger generation.”
Van Dijk highlighted how social media has intensified the effects of public judgment, noting that young players are particularly exposed. According to him, performances are now immediately followed by online reactions that can swing dramatically from praise to abuse.
“There is always this thing of when you play a good game, younger players check all the positive praises,” he explained. “But when you have a worse game, and you’re getting bullied all over social media, or you’re getting bad criticism, it can really affect you.”
The Liverpool centre-back admitted that players are often told to stay away from social platforms, revealing that he has given such advice himself. However, he acknowledged that this solution is not always realistic.
“You can say, ‘yeah, you shouldn’t be on social media’ — that’s what I’ve mentioned [to them] loads of times,” he said.
Drawing from personal experience, Van Dijk revealed that he has seen the psychological toll such criticism can take on players across different stages of their careers. “I’ve seen that in certain players in the past, and currently as well, because it’s just not easy,” he noted.
While the 32-year-old said he has developed the mental strength to handle criticism, he expressed concern about the future. “For me personally, I can deal with it,” Van Dijk said, “but I’m a bit worried for the next generation.”