Rafael van der Vaart Compares Virgil van Dijk to a 'Boeing 747' After Shocking World Cup Display Against Japan

Rafael van der Vaart Virgil van Dijk Boeing 747, Netherlands vs Japan 2-2 World Cup 2026, Virgil van Dijk goal vs Japan, Roy Keane praises Virgil van
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Rafael van der Vaart Compares Virgil van Dijk to a 'Boeing 747' After Shocking World Cup Display Against Japan
Former Netherlands and Real Madrid playmaker Rafael van der Vaart has launched a stinging attack on Virgil van Dijk, comparing the Dutch captain to a commercial airliner following a shaky defensive performance. The harsh criticism came in the wake of the Netherlands' frantic 2-2 draw against Japan in their opening World Cup Group F fixture in Dallas, where Van Dijk's lack of mobility visibly stunned the ex-midfielder. Speaking in the NOS studio during the half-time analysis, when the score was still deadlocked at 0-0, Van der Vaart did not hold back in his assessment of his country's talisman. “I have to be honest: I was quite shocked by Van Dijk,” Van der Vaart stated. “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.” This brutal 'Boeing 747' jibe highlighted what Van der Vaart perceived as a significant physical dec…