Virgil van Dijk Under the Spotlight as Liverpool’s Crisis Deepens

On another grim night at Anfield, the fierce spotlight shifted from Mohamed Salah’s poor form to Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, whose decline was once again exposed in a disappointing 1-1 draw against Sunderland.

Salah Benched Again

• Mohamed Salah, struggling throughout the season, was left out of the starting XI for the second straight Premier League match.

• He entered at half-time but failed to make any significant impact.

Van Dijk’s Decline Becomes Impossible to Ignore

Van Dijk, 34, who signed a fresh two-year deal in the summer, produced one of his weakest displays in years:

• Gave the ball away in the build-up to Sunderland’s goal.

• Turned his back as Chemsdine Talbi fired in a 25-yard shot.

• Lacked decisiveness, organisation, and leadership.

Former players and analysts didn’t hold back:

• Steph Houghton: “He gives the ball away and then drops off. Wrong decision.”

• Jamie Redknapp: “Last season he was imperious — now he’s second-guessing himself.”

Liverpool have kept just five clean sheets in 22 league games—their worst defensive numbers under Van Dijk’s leadership.

A Squad in Disarray After a £450m Refit

Arne Slot’s expensive summer overhaul has not improved Liverpool:

• Konate’s form has collapsed

• Milos Kerkez has failed to settle

• The team lacks structure and confidence
  Despite this, the responsibility on Van Dijk remains massive — and he has looked a shadow of his former self, with his lowest-ever recoveries, tackles, and interceptions since joining Liverpool.

Liverpool’s Attack Also Falters

• Salah offered no spark after coming on.

• £125m signing Alexander Isak was anonymous.

• Only a deflected Florian Wirtz shot rescued Liverpool from defeat.

Sunderland Impress

Full credit goes to Sunderland and manager Régis Le Bris, whose bold and energetic side:

• Pressed Liverpool aggressively

• Hit the post and forced Alisson into multiple saves

• Came inches away from winning in stoppage time, denied only by Federico Chiesa’s stunning goal-line clearance

Liverpool’s Season Slipping Away

Slow, predictable, and lacking leadership — Liverpool looked nothing like defending champions.
Their late push had little conviction, and it’s clear why their title defence has collapsed.

Sunderland, meanwhile, showed ambition, cohesion, and confidence — everything Liverpool did not.