Virgil van Dijk has had a tricky season at Liverpool. (Photograph by Ryan Pierse/Getty Photographs)
Liverpool have had a really tough few weeks, and their poor type continued on the weekend with a defeat at Brentford. It’s now 4 Premier League losses in a row for Arne Slot’s aspect, who’ve slipped to seventh within the standings.
A lot has been fabricated from the struggles that new signings Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz have had, however a few of their gamers that have been at such a excessive degree final season have failed to duplicate that type – and amongst them is captain Virgil van Dijk.
Alan Shearer and Micah Richards on Virgil van Dijk struggles
Talking on The Relaxation Is Soccer (by way of TBR Soccer), Alan Shearer took intention at van Dijk, in addition to centre-back associate Ibrahima Konate, for his or her performances towards Brentford.
“They’re so dangerous all around the pitch. And I imply, say what you need about them in midfield – the dearth of safety – or up entrance, the dearth of connection between their signings. However defensively, oh my phrase.
“I imply, Van Dijk and Konate. The 2 fullbacks have had numerous stick and numerous criticism, and I perceive that, and I get that. However the two centre-backs? They’re in every single place. They’ve been horrible. They usually have been at Brentford — they have been terrible, each of them, I imply, Van Dijk and Konate, weren’t they?”
Micah Richards agreed with Shearer, though he believes that van Dijk’s struggles are extra right down to him having little assist from Konate.
“Yeah, they have been terrible. And I feel what we’re seeing now’s Van Dijk wants assist. What number of occasions in earlier seasons has Van Dijk bailed them out? You take a look at partnerships and we’ve all the time talked about Van Dijk and the way good he’s. He wants Konate to bail him out for the time being, and that’s not occurring. So you possibly can’t have two centre halves not enjoying effectively on the identical time.”
Liverpool should cease the rut as quickly as doable if they’re to present themselves the perfect probability of retaining their Premier League title, which is at present slipping away.
