Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has urged football pundits to exercise a "duty of responsibility" when criticizing the new generation of players, emphasizing the potential mental health repercussions of harsh commentary, especially considering the pervasive nature of social media.

Speaking to Sky Sports' Gary Neville ahead of Liverpool's match against Manchester City, Van Dijk voiced his concerns about the impact of punditry on younger players. He acknowledged that criticism is inherent to the sport but cautioned against commentary that veers into "clickbait" and provokes negative reactions without considering the mental well-being of players. He stressed that former top players, in particular, have a responsibility to protect the younger generation from the potential harms of unchecked criticism.

Van Dijk stated that while he can personally handle criticism, he worries about its effect on emerging talents. He noted the constant presence of social media in these players' lives, where they are exposed to both praise and harsh criticism. While he advises young players against excessive social media use, he recognizes the difficulty in avoiding it altogether. He is concerned that negative commentary and online "bullying" can significantly affect a young player's mental state.

The Dutch international's comments come amid a season where Liverpool's form has faltered, leading to increased scrutiny and criticism of both the team and manager Arne Slot. Van Dijk has been forthright in his defense of Slot, urging patience and trust in the process. He has also clashed with other pundits this season, including Wayne Rooney, whose comments he previously described as "lazy". Earlier in the season, there were reports of disagreements between Nicky Butt and Lisandro Martinez after comments made by the ex-Manchester United midfielder.

Van Dijk's call for responsible punditry highlights the growing awareness of mental health issues in football. His comments serve as a reminder to those in influential media positions to consider the impact of their words on the lives and careers of young players who are just starting out in the game. He suggests that a more measured and thoughtful approach to punditry can contribute to a healthier and more supportive environment for the next generation of footballers.