United stalwart ‘has it in him’ to succeed Liverpool counterpart, he’s ‘showed’ that he can

Manchester United’s Matthijs de Ligt has been tipped to succeed Virgil van Dijk as Netherlands captain should the role continue to hinder the defender’s performances.

That’s what’s being relayed in Dutch media, anyway.

The suggestion comes courtesy of former Netherlands international Willem van Hanegem, who’s been notorious for his criticism of both Premier League centre-halves – especially after De Ligt was thrown into the firing range following United’s 3-0 defeat to Liverpool.

As for his counterpart on Merseyside, he’s held the armband for his country since March 2018, taking on the esteemed honour from legendary predecessor Arjen Robben.

Yet, Van Dijk found himself on the receiving end of national fury following their Euro 2024 semi-final exit to England. De Ligt, on the other hand, was not utilised by Ronald Koeman at the tournament in Germany.

Koeman had suggested – when speaking to De Telegraaf – that the Liverpool skipper’s leadership responsibilities may have proven detrimental to his overall game.

The two lined up together on Saturday, though, as their nation oversaw a 5-2 thrashing against Bosnia and Herzegovina on home turf.

Still not satisfied with what he’s seeing of his national team, Van Hanegem told Algemeen Dagblad: “The question is whether you are that leader if it all costs so much energy to be captain.

“Van Dijk can still go on for a while, but if that bond is a hindrance, you give him to someone else, don’t you?”

“I sometimes criticize him,” Van Hanegem continued in regards to De Ligt. “And people always think it’s personal or something. But you just know that he has it in him [to be captain]. He showed that once.”