Arne Slot should be seriously concerned by Virgil van Dijk as Liverpool star involved in off-pitch feud
Virgil van Dijk has looked a shadow of his former self as Liverpool’s struggles continue during Arne Slot’s second season in charge.
While van Dijk’s equaliser against Man City should have stood, which would have been his third of the campaign, his performances have been nothing short of disappointing.
Liverpool fans are also ready for Ibrahima Konate to leave, with the Frenchman doing very little to steady the ship, and Slot really has no other choice in the centre of defence.
Crystal Palace‘s Marc Guehi would have been the perfect signing during the summer transfer window, but thanks to a late decision by Oliver Glasner, the Reds were left extremely light at the back.
Liverpool falter when Virgil van Dijk is out of form
While van Dijk remains at the top of his game for winning duels, the same cannot be said when it comes to making interceptions, blocking shots, and making recoveries at crucial moments of the game.
That was highlighted especially by Nico Gonzalez‘s goal during Man City’s 3-0 thrashing of Liverpool, with the Dutchman letting his teammates down with a poor flick at the ball inside the penalty area.
With his performances completely dropping this season, many fans have pointed this out on social media, as well as Man United legend Wayne Rooney, who has spoken honestly about the captain’s downfall.
Although the former striker regrets insinuating that van Dijk has “downed tools” after signing a new contract at Anfield, his other comments about the 34-year-old have been spot-on this season.
Wayne Rooney’s comments are spot on about Arne Slot’s most dependable star
Instead of putting in extra effort on the field to prove Rooney wrong, the centre-back has spent more time replying to the comments about his efforts, which should be a major concern for Slot.
It appears that van Dijk’s mind is elsewhere when his full focus should be on getting Liverpool back to winning ways. That is not to say that the player cannot have an opinion, but it is not the right time for a public feud to break out.
The Reds star could do far more talking by putting in good performances, ones which helped his side get points on the board after falling to eighth in the Premier League table, eight points behind first.
Slot and his players were supposed to build on last season after lifting the league title, but so far, it has been a catastrophic return to football following a summer of eye-watering spending.