Liverpool's 2020 trip to Goodison Park was marred by a horror tackle by Jordan Pickford that left Virgil van Dijk sidelined for almost a year, and it ultimately proved costly for the Reds that season
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Virgil van Dijk receiving treatment after being tackled by Jordan Pickford
Liverpool had to contend with the absence of Van Dijk for the rest of the 2020/21 season
Former Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum has spoken out about the Merseyside Derby incident involving Jordan Pickford's "stupid" challenge on Virgil van Dijk, which led to the defender's lengthy absence. Liverpool are gearing up for their visit to Goodison Park today (Saturday 7 December), which marks the final derby clash at the iconic venue ahead of Everton's transition to their new stadium next season.
The Reds have had plenty of joy at the ground but moments to forget too, with Van Dijk's severe injury during October 2020's derby among the top of their list.
Pickford's tackle on the Dutchman resulted in an ACL rupture for the Dutchman after a clash following Fabinho's aerial ball, sidelining him and forcing him out of his first major international tournament at Euro 2020.
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At that time, as defending Premier League champions, Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool felt the sting not only tactically but emotionally, having to contend without their defensive lynchpin. Wijnaldum, now with Al-Ettifaq, didn't mince his words criticising Pickford's rough play.
"In my opinion [Pickford's tackle] was stupid," he said at the time. "I believe he did not want to injure Virgil but the way that he went into it, he didn't care what happened after.
"I think we have had it a lot in games against Everton. They take it way too far. This was too much."
Virgil van Dijk is injured by Jordan Pickford
The Dutchman missed nine months of action due to Pickford's challenge
The impact of Van Dijk's injury reverberated through the Liverpool squad to such an extent that sleep eluded them following the match, according to Wijnaldum. He described the aftermath in the Liverpool camp as he added: "This was different than normal," reflecting on the sombre atmosphere that had taken hold, as reported by the Mirror.
"The way it happened was really hard for us, and everyone still has a really bad feeling about it. None of the players slept. It's a hard one to take and it was a hard one for the team."
New Reds boss Arne Slot can breathe a sigh of relief as there are no doubts concerning his captain's fitness at present, with him set to lead Liverpool who are now sitting comfortably at the top of the table.
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