Exclusive: Rafael van der Vaart questions Micky van de Ven's readiness for a big summer move

Former Real Madrid and Tottenham midfielder Rafael van der Vaart has given his verdict on three of the Netherlands' most discussed players at this summer's World Cup. He questioned whether Micky van de Ven is ready for a move to a top club, urged Cody Gakpo to become less predictable, and firmly backed Virgil van Dijk against those who have written him off.

The Dutch legend, who earned 109 caps for his country, spoke candidly about the tactical challenges facing Ronald Koeman's side and what needs to change if the Netherlands are to go deep in the tournament.

Micky van de Ven struggled at left-back

He firstly spoke on van de Ven who has been deployed at left back for the Netherlands in their first group game against Japan. It’s a position that has drawn scrutiny given his natural role as a centre-back at Tottenham Hotspur. van der Vaart believes the system is working against him and also explained why the transfer rumours linking him with Liverpool and Manchester United are premature.

"I think it is a little bit difficult for Micky van de Ven to play fullback for the national team, also because Gakpo was playing as the left winger, so there isn't really any space for him. The tempo of the game was so slow so it was easy to defend van de Ven and he is a player who needs space in front of him so he can run into that space, but he doesn't have that space which means he is just standing there."

"He doesn't have the best technique of course but I think he will get more space to attack later on in the tournament when we are facing better teams who want to attack a bit more which leaves space behind. Then he will hopefully play better."

The Dutch hero was also measured in his assessment of van de Ven's club future, despite the links to some of Europe's biggest sides.

"At the moment, I don't think he is ready for a top club. In the beginning when he came to Tottenham he was amazing and everybody loved him. I was also really happy he did so well. Having said that, I do believe that he may be very useful as a left centre-defender who can clean up situations with his speed."

"But this season was not so good and I really hope he stays at Tottenham. If he leaves, I don't hope it will be for a top top club like this. I hope he will stay and he is still young, so he still has time for a big move. Next summer, maybe he can go to a bigger club."

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Cody Gakpo must become less predictable

Gakpo's performances for the Netherlands as well as for Liverpool have been a major talking point in recent months. Both fans and pundits have pointed to a lack of creativity and an over-reliance on cutting inside with the hope of shooting on goal. van der Vaart shares those concerns but also makes clear just how important Gakpo remains to this Dutch side.

"For me, Cody Gakpo is the difference between the Netherlands making the final or semi-final or getting knocked out earlier. When he has a good day he is our best weapon, but the other teams are not stupid, so they are trying to double up on him the whole time."

"I would like him to make more deep runs without the ball and not only go inside when he is dribbling. He also needs to go outside sometimes. He is too predictable and against Japan that was really not good to see. He never goes outside."

The Liverpool winger's club future has also been a talking point following a frustrating domestic season. However, he’s been backed to find the form that incentivised Liverpool to pay between £35m and £45m for his services.

"I think he should be a key player for Liverpool. A while ago he was a key player at Liverpool and he was doing well, but he should be a key player."

"But on the other hand, it doesn't make sense for him to sit on the bench. He wants to play and when he doesn't get the minutes you want, you will always consider moving on to another club, but personally I think he should stay and fight for his position next season."

Virgil van Dijk is still elite

Perhaps the most passionate part of van der Vaart's assessment came when the conversation turned to Virgil van Dijk. The Liverpool captain has faced criticism in the Netherlands despite remaining one of the most decorated defenders of his generation. However, the former Real Madrid star believes van Dijk remains one of the world’s best centre-backs despite his recent struggles.

"(Virgil) van Dijk is still our leader and I think he is performing well. He was one time turning a bit slow against Japan, but this is normal. He had a bad injury and a tough season at Liverpool. He is not getting younger and for me it looks like he always tries to get the team to stay compact because that benefits him as a player.”

“However, if we truly analyse him honestly he is still one of the very very best. Look at how easily Saibari outran Gabriel who is considered in England the best centre-back. I was watching Saliba in the France game and I saw quite some mistakes. Compare van Dijk with other centre backs and it's clear that even at a so-so season he is still elite."

"He is still our best defender. Without a doubt."

van der Vaart goes on to explain that the Dutch have a tendency to turn on their own the moment standards dip even slightly.

"He has been unfairly criticised by some in the Netherlands, but he is still our captain and our leader. But our nature is to criticise. One day you are the king, the next day you are s**t."

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