In Liverpool’s cracker against Tottenham, Virgil van Dijk was left utterly embarrassed by Ivan Perisic, as he was sent the wrong way, and fell flat on the ground leading to Spurs first goal.
The Dutchman considered the best defender in the world, and one of the Premier League’s best-ever defenders by many just a few seasons ago, seems to have lost his aura recently.
He cost Liverpool a whopping £75million in January 2018 and quickly helped the Reds in reaching back-to-back Champions League finals – lifting the trophy in 2019.
He then played a key role in Liverpool’s first top-flight title success in 30 years when they romped to glory in 2020.
His recent performances however have caused many to see him in a different light. Many a pundit has criticized his performances this season. Former Chelsea player, Jason Cundy had this to say about the Netherlands captain:
I think he’s overrated personally. I think there’s a lot of media love in with what Van Dijk has done. There’s no doubt he’s a brilliant centre-half, he makes too many mistakes – mistakes that I think go unnoticed. There was a goal they conceded when they went out a couple of seasons ago during covid in the Champions League and he has this languid style of run. He seems to try and bide time but he doesn’t react.”
The defender himself has also commented on his performances this year. He has admitted he is not playing at the level that made him one of the best in the world.
However, Van Dijk also said he was determined to rediscover that form.
I know my performance has been going like the team has been going — up and down, I know I’m one of the players who is looked at, that I set a high standard over the last five years that it’s normal to be criticised. The only thing I can do is block the noise out and focus on how I deal with certain situations to be better. Over the past five years, excluding the year of my injury, I’ve been playing every three or four days to such a consistent level. I’m trying to get back to that — and I will get back it. I’m not worried about that.
Former Liverpool coach and player, now pundit, Graeme Souness believes Liverpool’s defence ‘aren’t their normal selves.’ Especially without a pressing midfielder like Georginio Wijnaldum in front of them.
Former Reds captain Carragher acknowledged the disappointing nature of the Netherlands international’s season. He however believes no centre-back comes close to Van Dijk in the Premier League era.
Van Dijk will hope to improve on his performances as Liverpool host Fulham on the 3rd of May. Particularly as they continue to battle for a place in Europe next season.
