Liverpool and Virgil van Dijk have endured a difficult season this term and former Manchester United star Jaap Stam has sent a message to his compatriot
Virgil van Dijk
Virgil van Dijk has endured a difficult season at Anfield(Image: Getty Images)
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Jaap Stam has told Virgil van Dijk that Liverpool cannot afford any more error-strewn performances from him as they aim to rescue their season. The Dutchman has endured a tricky campaign alongside their Reds teammates as their title defence continues to fall flat.
The 34-year-old had another difficult outing at the weekend in the late 3-2 defeat to Bournemouth. Van Dijk was criticised for his role in the Cherries’ opening goal scored by Evanlinson as he failed to clear the ball.
Former Dutch international Stam has now told Van Dijk that he needs to sharpen up or he could continue costing Liverpool. Speaking to Covers.com World Cup betting, the former United star said: “When you watch Virgil van Dijk play, he seems to be doubting himself.
“He is the leader of this Liverpool team, but they are finding it difficult to get results. He seems preoccupied with the performances of his teammates but he also needs to focus on himself.
“As a central defender, if you are not fully focused in every moment of the game, you can make a mistake – as we saw in Liverpool’s defeat at Bournemouth. That is costing him and Arne Slot’s team dearly. Central defenders need to be sharp, otherwise the ball will end up in the back of the net.
“When you are one of the best players, and Van Dijk is undoubtedly one of the best defenders in the world, people are going to be highlighting your mistakes, because they expect the very highest level from you.
“Van Dijk has been amazing for Liverpool, but he will know that he has not been as consistent this season. He is a very realistic guy and he knows he needs to improve.
Jaap Stam
Jaap Stam has sent a word of advice to Virgil van Dijk(Image: Getty Images)
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“Defenders, like any player, will always make errors, but Van Dijk will know that Liverpool cannot afford him to make mistakes – Slot needs him at his best.”
Stam is not the only one to have criticised Van Dijk. Alan Shearer also slammed the Dutch defender for his error against Bournemouth.
Speaking on Match of the Day, he said: “The first goal would give me most concern if I was a fan because, I mean, Van Dijk absolutely should clear it. I know he said bit windy, but that’s got nothing to do with it.
“He should clear it and then he didn’t do anything. In fact, he tried to pull himself away from blocking the cross, which was really strange.”
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