When does football punditry go too far?

When does football punditry go too far?

Earlier this month, Liverpool and Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk commented that some former footballers who now work as pundits go too far in their criticism of young players. Speaking to Sky Sports' Gary Neville, he argued that "sometimes criticism also goes into being clickbait, saying things to provoke things, and without thinking about the repercussions for the mental side of players, and especially the younger generation, who are constantly on social media."

Van Dijk's words have sparked plenty of debate among fans and pundits alike, but where does the line lie between fair comment and criticism for criticism's sake? Are pundits too hungry for headlines, or are players too sensitive to feedback?

Former Scotland international Pat Nevin has worked in the media for three decades, following a distinguished playing career for clubs including Chelsea, Everton and Tranmere Rovers. He tells John Bennett how he was able to ignore media criticism during his own playing career, and says that there's now more pressure on pundits to have stronger opinions to keep their names in the public eye.

Marcel van der Kraan, the chief sports editor for Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, compares the tone of punditry in the Netherlands to that in the UK, and explains the kind of criticism Virgil van Dijk has faced from big names in Dutch football during his career. He also argues that the press risk damaging the careers of promising young managers by expecting too much from them too early in their careers.

Every Monday to Friday, More than the Score tells stories beyond the scoreline from all over the world of sport. From the Winter Olympics to the Super Bowl, the Australian Open to the Diamond League, and netball to Formula 1. We've got interviews with extraordinary athletes like Albania's skiing star Lara Colturi, snowboarding icon Scotty James and cycling sprint king Harrie Lavreysen, as well as the experts working behind the scenes, from the referees who run VAR to the coaches keeping athletes in peak form. Plus, we've got the expertise of the BBC's top journalists, who share their insights from decades of covering sport at all levels. And if you've got your own take on the stories we cover, we'd love to hear from you. Email morethanthescore@bbc.co.uk, or WhatsApp us on 0044 800 032 0470. You can find more information, along with our privacy notice, on our website: www.bbcworldservice.com/morethanthescore

Tämä jakso on lisätty Podme-palveluun avoimen RSS-syötteen kautta eikä se ole Podmen omaa tuotantoa. Siksi jakso saattaa sisältää mainontaa.

Jaksot(230)

World Cup 2026: Will Messi and Argentina lift the trophy again?

World Cup 2026: Will Messi and Argentina lift the trophy again?

Argentina will face Spain in Sunday's World Cup final, after overcoming England in a semi-final that once again showcased their battling spirit - but will Lionel Messi lift the trophy again in New Yor...

16 Heinä 20min

World Cup 2026: Spain shock favourites France to reach the final

World Cup 2026: Spain shock favourites France to reach the final

Spain produced a masterclass in control to beat pre-tournament favourites France 2-0 in Dallas and secure their place in just their second World Cup final. BBC football reporter John Bennett tells Le...

15 Heinä 23min

World Cup 2026: Can anyone stop Mbappe’s France?

World Cup 2026: Can anyone stop Mbappe’s France?

Mani Djazmi is joined by Loic Tanzi from L’Equipe and Juan Castro from Marca to preview the World Cup semi-final between France and Spain. France are many people’s favourites to win the tournament, wh...

14 Heinä 19min

World Cup 2026: The refugee stars at the World Cup

World Cup 2026: The refugee stars at the World Cup

Nestory Irankunda, Antonio Rudiger and Alphonso Davies represented Australia, Germany and Canada respectively at the World Cup - and all have links to Africa as refugees.Germany defender Antonio Rudig...

13 Heinä 28min

A golden age of Italian tennis

A golden age of Italian tennis

Italy has six players inside the men's world top 50 including number one and four-time Grand Slam champion, Jannik Sinner.Jasmine Paolini is flying the flag on the women's side while Sara Errani - one...

12 Heinä 38min

World Cup 2026: Norway can surprise England - Olympic great Johannes Klaebo

World Cup 2026: Norway can surprise England - Olympic great Johannes Klaebo

Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo wrote himself into Olympic history earlier this year, by breaking the all-time tally for gold medals won by a Winter Olympian. But this summer, he has been dividing his time b...

11 Heinä 17min

Ghostwriting: How to tell someone else's story

Ghostwriting: How to tell someone else's story

Athletes' memoirs and autobiographies are among the biggest-selling books around the world each year - but often, the words aren't entirely their own. Many sports stars work with 'ghostwriters' - prof...

11 Heinä 17min

World Cup 2026: Who’s put themselves in the shop window?

World Cup 2026: Who’s put themselves in the shop window?

Plenty of players have made names for themselves at this World Cup, from goalkeepers like Cape Verde’s Vozinha and Paraguay’s Orlando Gill to New Zealand midfielder Elijah Just. But though they might ...

10 Heinä 20min

Suosittua kategoriassa Urheilu

kaiken-takana
hockey-night-podcast
urheilun-varjoissa
junnut-pelissa
rss-piippuhylly
rss-kalju-corner
runners-high-podcast
rss-seikkailun-jokamiesluokka
rss-kuralappa-asiaa-gravel-ja-maastopyorailysta
eturivi
kimanttia
unelmia-onkimassa
suomen-f1-podcast
juoksumania
rss-yleisurheilupodcast
rss-ylilyonti
rss-kuninkuusluokka-f1-podcast
rss-padelpodi