Van Dijk urges former players as pundits to act responsibly, warning that harsh criticism can harm young footballers’ mental health on social media

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has called on former players turned pundits to exercise greater responsibility when commenting on young footballers, warning that harsh criticism can have serious mental health consequences.

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Speaking to Sky Sports presenter Gary Neville, Van Dijk said punditry is increasingly becoming “clickbait,” with commentators making provocative statements without considering the impact on players constantly exposed to social media.

“For me personally, I can deal with it, but I’m a bit worried for the next generation,” Van Dijk said, stressing that criticism is part of football but can cross a line when it becomes deliberately provocative.

He highlighted how young players often check social media after good performances, but can be deeply affected by negative comments and online bullying following a poor game.

“I’ve seen that in certain players in the past, and currently as well, because it’s just not easy,” he said.

Van Dijk previously criticized Wayne Rooney for “lazy criticism” after the former England captain blamed Liverpool’s poor form on a lack of leadership.

He revisited the topic when both appeared pitchside on Amazon Prime after Liverpool’s Champions League win against Real Madrid.

The Liverpool defender also referenced criticism aimed at Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez by ex-United players Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt, who suggested Manchester City striker Erling Haaland would dominate Martinez in the build-up to the Manchester derby.

Martinez responded that pundits “can talk on the television” but would not say such things to his face.

With social media usage growing, Van Dijk warned the problem could worsen.

“It’s going to get worse and worse, because the platforms nowadays, with the clickbait and the headlines, everyone is on it constantly,” he said, urging former top players to use their platform responsibly to protect younger players.

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“I feel like, especially the ex-pros, top players, who have been through everything, they have this responsibility of protecting a little bit of that side as well,” he said.