Bryan Roy on Van Dijk’s Renewal: “Liverpool, You Have the Best Defender Since Maldini”

In an exclusive interview with TuttoMercatoWeb, former Dutch striker Bryan Roy shared his views on a range of topics, from Virgil van Dijk’s contract renewal at Liverpool, to the work of Francesco Farioli at Ajax, and the continued influence of Johan Cruijff on modern football.

On Van Dijk’s Renewal
“His renewal is great news for Liverpool. After Maldini, Costacurta, Baresi, and Tassotti, there haven’t been many defenders who’ve stood out like him in modern football. Since Virgil started working with Arne Slot, he’s improved even more, if that’s possible. Slot has introduced a more organised game, which makes things easier for him when building from the back. The same goes for the national team under Koeman. That’s why he’s moved ahead of the others. He’s only missing a European Championship or World Cup to complete the set.”

On Francesco Farioli at Ajax
 “Francesco is doing a fantastic job. It was about time we had an Italian coach in the Netherlands. Firstly, to show how defensive organisation should be structured. But above all, for how he works physically, with data in hand. I think he does that perfectly. Right now, Ajax are the strongest team physically in the league. I know how physical work is done in Italy. I had Zeman (laughs).”

What was Zeman like?
“He made us fly. Training was hard - very hard - but it made us play better.” “Back to Farioli, I congratulate him. He’s done an extraordinary job. In possession, Ajax still plays the football they’re known for, although that takes time. If he stays another year, he’ll be able to build a team with well-oiled mechanisms. Players like Fitz-Jim, Henderson, and Klaassen are ideal to make that happen.”

On Tijjani Reijnders
“He’s playing fantastic football. I’m happy to see him at this level. Ajax were sleeping - he should’ve been playing there, not at Milan (laughs). I congratulate him on his growth. I believe he needs one more season like this - not just to keep improving, but also to win something. When that happens, his next step will come very quickly.”

On Denzel Dumfries
“All of Holland loves him. He’s true to himself off the pitch and has a strong personality. In Italy, he’s grown immensely - very disciplined, working hard on and off the field. He’s reached a very high level. Inter didn’t renew his contract for nothing. To thrive in Italy, you have to be strong, and he is. He’s a mainstay in the national team and a key figure. I can see him making history with Inter, and then taking the next step - perhaps at a club like Real Madrid.”

On Cruijff, Guardiola, and Sacchi
“Guardiola said it years ago - Cruijff is his reference point. Pep has won the toughest league in the world six times using Cruijff’s philosophy. So has Arne Slot. That just shows how relevant Johan still is in world football. Cruijff’s philosophy will always be the best in football. Because with it, you win - and you do it beautifully. Fans have fun watching their teams, and that’s what football is all about: winning and entertaining should always go hand in hand. That’s what makes it so hard - that’s why he was a genius.

I also mention Sacchi for his defensive phase. He had an algorithm that made it impossible for opponents to even touch the ball. Even Sven-Göran Eriksson in Sweden followed it. Sacchi contributed greatly to football history, especially with his defensive organisation.”

On His Time at Foggia
“Foggia will always be in my heart. I remember my first home match - against Zoff’s Lazio. Zoff told Winter: ‘What do we know about Roy? Just that he can’t head the ball.’ In that game, I scored with a header (laughs). We won 2-1. The fans loved me from that moment. I had two great years there. All the people from that Foggia team are older now, but I’m sure they still love me.”

Bryan Roy’s words are a tribute to a footballing philosophy rooted in joy, hard work, and identity - with passionate nods to the players, coaches, and clubs that shaped his journey.