Klopp backs Van Dijk after Van der Vaart’s Boeing 747 jab

Jürgen Klopp, now an analyst for MagentaTV, defended Virgil van Dijk after former Dutch international Rafael van der Vaart likened the defender to a Boeing 747. The criticism came following the Netherlands’ 2‑2 World Cup draw with Japan, where Van Dijk appeared unsettled on the second concession. Van Dijk played under Klopp at Liverpool from 2018 to 2024. During that period he developed into one of the world’s leading centre‑backs. After the Japan match, Van der Vaart told he was ‘shocked’ by Van Dijk’s performance and compared the defender to a rotating Boeing 747. He argued the Dutch captain had looked out of shape on the second goal.

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Klopp responded on MagentaTV, saying, ‘I don’t know if it’s worth mentioning Rafael van der Vaart at all, but if he ever says something positive about a player, I’m willing to take him seriously again.’ He added that Van der Vaart often invents elaborate quotes that are not particularly important. Earlier in the week Van der Vaart faced backlash for a joke suggesting Japanese players looked alike, which many found offensive. He issued a public apology for the remark.

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Dutch media also highlighted striker Brian Brobbey and coach Koeman’s confidence ahead of the upcoming Sweden clash, noting the team’s attacking options.