It’s not often that Virgil van Dijk is openly criticised from the Netherlands, but today is the day for the Liverpool captain.
Voetbal Primeur cover comments from analyst René van der Gijp. He is less than impressed by what he’s seen from the Liverpool star this season.
It was another rough weekend for the Liverpool defender as the Reds were beaten 3-2 by Bournemouth on Saturday evening.
Arne Slot’s side entered that game unbeaten in 13 games but a late winner from Amine Adli secured all three points for the Cherries to bring that to an end.
Van Dijk was at the centre of the drama throughout the game. His misjudgement handed Evanilson the opening goal after work from Alex Scott. He then scored a superb headed to get Liverpool back in the game when they were 2-0 down.
But he, and the rest of his defence, were unable to keep Bournemouth from scoring a late winner to seal all three points and put the pressure back on Arne Slot. The manager has also been on the end of Dutch negativity today.
It’s been a miserable title defence from Liverpool this season. And that’s been thanks to several high-profile signings not working, but also their former stars not being at their best. Van Dijk certainly falls into that category, and Van der Gijp isn’t impressed.
“Only that Wirtz is starting to play a bit of football now. And your two mainstays, Salah and Van Dijk, are having their worst season ever,” he said.
Fellow panellist Johan Derksen agrees too. In fact, he thinks Van Dijk’s position could be under threat.
“He’s no longer a mainstay, Van Dijk,” he added.