Liverpool and Virgil van Dijk have endured a difficult season this season, with former Manchester United star Jaap Stam sending a message to his compatriot
Virgil van Dijk has had a tough season at Anfield (Image: Getty Images)
Manager Jaap Stam has told Virgil van Dijk that Liverpool cannot afford another error-filled performance as they aim to salvage their season. The Dutchman has endured a tricky season alongside his Reds teammates as their title defense continues to fail.
The 34-year-old had another tough outing in the 3-2 defeat to Bournemouth at the weekend. Van Dijk was criticized for his role in scoring the Cherries’ opening goal after Evan Linson failed to clear the ball.
Former Dutch international Stam has now told Van Dijk he needs to sharpen up more or he could continue to harm Liverpool. The former United star said in an interview with Covers.com’s World Cup Betting: “When you watch Virgil van Dijk play, he seems to be doubting himself.
“He is the leader of this Liverpool team, but he is finding it difficult to get results. He seems to be focused on the performance of his team-mates, but he also needs to focus on himself.”
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“As a central defender, if you’re not completely focused in every moment of the game, you can make mistakes, as we saw in Liverpool’s defeat at Bournemouth. That’s taking a toll on his and Arne Slott’s team. A central defender has to be sharp, otherwise the ball will go into the back of the net.”
“When you are one of the best players and Van Dijk is definitely one of the best defenders in the world, people will highlight your mistakes because they expect the highest level from you.
“Van Dijk has been a great player for Liverpool, but he knows he hasn’t been very consistent this season. He’s a very pragmatic guy and knows he needs to improve.”
Jaap Stam has some advice for Virgil van Dijk (Image: Getty Images)
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“Defenders always make mistakes, like any other player, but Van Dijk knows that Liverpool can’t afford to make mistakes. Slot needs him at his best.”
Stam is not the only one to criticize Van Dijk. Alan Shearer also slammed the Dutch defender’s mistake against Bournemouth.
On Match of the Day, he said: “If I were a fan, I would be most worried about the first goal, because Van Dijk should absolutely score it. I know he said it was a bit windy, but that has nothing to do with it.”
“He was supposed to clear, but he didn’t do anything. In fact, he tried to remove himself from blocking the cross. It was really strange.”
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