Van Dijk and Salah Under Scrutiny as Liverpool Struggles Continue
The intense focus on a world-class Liverpool legend has shifted to another during the club's latest challenging match at Anfield.
Mohamed Salah has faced criticism for his lackluster performance this season, leading to his placement on the substitutes' bench for the second consecutive Premier League game as Sunderland visited on Wednesday.
However, it was captain Virgil van Dijk, a cornerstone of Liverpool's defensive lineup and a key figure in the club's collection of major trophies, who became the center of attention due to his own struggles during the 1-1 draw.
Both Van Dijk, 34, and Salah, 33, signed lucrative two-year contracts over the summer, with little concern raised about extending deals for this veteran duo, who are nearing the end of their careers. Initially, this was celebrated, but the harsh reality is that their performances have significantly declined.
Since head coach Arne Slot and the club's recruitment team initiated a £450 million summer overhaul, Liverpool's defense has been vulnerable, raising questions about the value of their investments.
Simultaneously, Van Dijk has begun to lose the invincibility he displayed since his £75 million transfer from Southampton in January 2018.
His struggles have been compounded by the poor form of defensive partner Ibrahima Konate and Milos Kerkez's difficulties adapting to the left-back position. Van Dijk's own issues were highlighted by a panicked handball that conceded a penalty during a heavy Champions League defeat to PSV Eindhoven.
This was exemplified in the 67th minute against Sunderland when Chemsdine Talbi scored to give the visitors a deserved lead. Van Dijk lost possession and then turned his back on a 25-yard shot that deflected off him, slipping past goalkeeper Alisson.
For a defender of Van Dijk's caliber, this tendency to turn away from the ball is unusual and has cost Liverpool dearly. While some may argue it was mere bad luck, the situation was invited by Van Dijk's uncharacteristic indecision, which Talbi capitalized on.
Former England captain Steph Houghton commented on BBC Radio 5 Live: "Van Dijk gives the ball away and then he just drops off. It’s the wrong decision. He needs to go to the ball. His indecision leaves others unsure of how to respond."
Jamie Redknapp, a former Liverpool midfielder, added on Sky Sports: "Last season, Van Dijk was faultless. Now, he’s making mistakes and second-guessing himself."
Despite his current form, a player of Van Dijk's stature should not be written off. He has enjoyed a successful career with Liverpool, winning two Premier League titles, the Champions League, the FA Cup, and two EFL Cups. However, this season, he has appeared a mere shadow of his former self, recording the lowest number of recoveries per game in his Liverpool career, with declines in tackles and interceptions compared to last season.
Leadership should not rest solely on Van Dijk, especially in a Liverpool team brimming with experience, yet it was noticeably absent during this match. No one emerged to motivate a team that seemed adrift and unable to seize control of the game.
Van Dijk's disappointing performance culminated in him being deployed as an emergency striker, a reflection of Liverpool's overall mediocre display that made their recent win against West Ham feel like an anomaly.
Slot retained the lineup that ended a streak of nine losses in 12 matches at the London Stadium, with Salah once again observing from the sidelines. The Egyptian was brought on at the start of the second half, but failed to provide the inspiration the Kop sought, with £125 million signing Alexander Isak also remaining largely invisible after scoring his first league goal for the club on Sunday.
Slot would have faced increased pressure had Florian Wirtz’s shot in the 81st minute not deflected off Nordi Mukiele, setting up what Liverpool hoped would be an exciting finish.
However, the late drama unfolded at the other end, as Liverpool narrowly avoided embarrassment in stoppage time when Federico Chiesa’s remarkable recovery run allowed him to clear a shot off the line from Sunderland substitute Wilson Isidor after he had rounded Alisson.
Ultimately, Slot and his struggling champions had to accept the draw, recognizing it could have been worse. Alisson was fortunate to deflect Trai Hume’s shot onto the bar in the first half, and Omar Alderete’s header struck the post after the break.
Liverpool appeared slow, ponderous, and devoid of ideas. Even their customary late rally post-equalizer lacked conviction. Such performances are indicative of why their title defense has faltered.
However, credit must be given to Sunderland for their ambitious summer transfer market strategy and the excellent management of Regis le Bris. The Black Cats displayed positivity, confidence, and danger throughout the match.
Sunderland now sits sixth in the Premier League with 23 points, reflecting their growth in the league, and they will likely feel disappointed not to have left Anfield with an additional two points.
For Slot and Liverpool, it’s time to reassess and regroup.