Virgil van Dijk’s position at Anfield is not immune to criticism. He is the captain and he needs to set an example on the pitch as well as off the pitch.
Few people around Liverpool will be grateful for Mohamed Salah this season. But one man is Virgil van Dijk.
In fact, there is probably no one at Anfield who appreciates Salah more than the club captain. Because the Egyptian King of the Kop proved to be a human shield for the Dutchman in this disastrous title defense.
Salah has received more criticism than anyone in Arne Slott’s collapsing team. That’s because after a string of losses, a winning season last season and a big-spending summer, questions are being asked about why things have gotten so bad. Salah has looked largely apathetic and disillusioned since the start of the campaign, so the criticism he is receiving is no surprise.
But Salah’s struggles should not distract from the inescapable fact that Van Dijk was in a similarly dire situation.
There is huge respect for Van Dijk at Anfield. He is the captain, the talisman, and the de facto spokesperson. While others shrink back, he faces the test with a positive attitude every time he loses. He does it every time.
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But what Slott can do more than anything is give Van Dijk a voice not just off the pitch, but on it as well. He needs his captain to regain his defensive voice and start asking tough questions of his teammates while also standing up in the face of adversity.
Perhaps he respects Van Dijk too much. But his standards of excellence have faded, and the people who singled him out have faded into the shadows.
Liverpool’s defense revolves around Van Dijk’s leadership. However, they have conceded 35 goals in 22 games this season, 11 of which have come in the last five games. Liverpool have kept just five clean sheets. And it’s time for Van Dijk to take some responsibility.
The truth is, Van Dijk has a lot of work to do. Liverpool don’t have a recognized right-back to hang up their hats after Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure, left-back Milos Kerkes may have been signed from Bournemouth for a fee of £40m but he simply lacks depth, and fellow centre-back Ibrahima Konate is out of form.
To put it simply, Van Dijk may be being held back by his surroundings. However, his experience and ability should exceed that. Although he was at fault for scoring Sunderland’s goal in midweek, he remains largely immune to the finger of blame.
Slott will need Van Dijk to be at his strongest and most commanding when Liverpool travel to Leeds this weekend. Elland Road is not for the faint of heart. Just ask World Club Cup champions Chelsea! There’s nowhere to hide. And Van Dijk must set an example for others to follow.
He owes a vintage performance to the slot.
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