Liverpool conceded a last-minute equalizer against Fulham in the Premier League on Sunday, as Harrison Reed scored a stunning long-distance strike at Craven Cottage
19:44, 05 Jan 2026
Virgil van Dijk has faced criticism after Sunday's game
Virgil van Dijk has faced criticism after Sunday's game(Image: Getty Images)
Former Chelsea star Frank Lebouef believes Virgil van Dijk must take some responsibility for Liverpool's late equalizer on Sunday.
The Reds recorded a 2-2 draw with Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday. Fulham took the lead early in the game when Harry Wilson, the former Liverpool player, found the back of the net. Liverpool failed to register a shot on target during the first half.
Arne Slot's players came out fighting in the second half and found an equalizer through Florian Wirtz, who was jugged to be narrowly onside. The Reds then thought they had found a winner when Cody Gakpo scored in the 94th minute of the Premier League game.
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Yet there was still enough time for Harrison Reed to produce a stunning long-range strike in the 97th minute. While Reed's effort will be a candidate for the Premier League's Goal of the Month award, Lebouef believes Van Dijk could've prevented it.
Reed was given acres of space and time before hitting his shot, with Liverpool's back line stuck in a deep position. The Reds were perhaps expecting a cross into the box from Brazilian winger Kevin, who instead teed up Reed for his sensational effort.
Lebouef, who knows a thing or two about defending after helping France beat Brazil in the 1998 World Cup final, made his feelings known on the goal during an appearance on ESPN FC. He said: "I was with Olivier Dacourt, the former Everton and Leeds player, and we say, 'Why is Van Dijk not sprinting towards him? Why is he waiting because he has no one to mark and is not doing anything.'
Harrison Reed celebrates after scoring Fulham's equalizer against Liverpool
Harrison Reed celebrates after scoring Fulham's equalizer against Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
"He is going a little bit forward and then puts his hand on the back and waits instead of sprinting. [He] is the one guilty for that. Yes, of course, maybe it wouldn't have done anything to that shot, but you have to try to disturb and put pressure on Reed.
"That is what Van Dijk didn't do, but what a crazy goal."
Liverpool would've moved five points clear of both Chelsea in fifth and Manchester United in sixth with a win at Craven Cottage. Steve Nicol, who made more than 400 appearances for Liverpool, has also offered his thoughts on Reed's goal on ESPN FC.
He said: "If you look at the equalizer, it's a throw-in, so everyone is back and they think it's going to be a long throw. As soon as you see it's going to go short, somebody has to be in charge.
"It's either of the center-backs, your captain probably should be, or your goalkeeper to push everybody out. Instead, they all stand on the six-yard box. Including the goalie, there are nine Liverpool players in the six-yard box.
"The point is you try to cut down percentages. He deserves praise, well done Fulham, but from a Liverpool point of view, the basics of defending, when the ball goes backwards, you all come out. It's schoolboy defending.
"Again, I'm not taking away from the strike, but if there's someone closer and he's having to be hurried; someone should be sprinting out to him to put him off, but they weren't, and that's why they lost two points. They got exactly what they deserved.
"They're unlucky; they had to play (Dominik) Szoboszlai and Curtis (Jones) in the wide attacking areas. That's bad luck you've got that amount of injuries.
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"But at the same time, you can't step on the field and say we're unlucky today. Now you've got to play. They didn't play. Fulham said you can have it and try to beat us. There has to be a purpose of why you pass it. You have to be positive."