A Shadow of His Former Greatness – Van Dijk Battles His Decline
The spotlight that once targeted one Liverpool legend has now sharply shifted to another after yet another frustrating night at Anfield.
Mohamed Salah’s poor form dominated headlines, resulting in his second straight Premier League benching as Sunderland visited on Wednesday. Against all expectations, Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk became the focus of scrutiny in the disappointing 1–1 draw.
Liverpool’s Defence Losing Its Steel
Liverpool’s backline has looked fragile ever since the club invested £450m in a massive summer rebuild — and the returns have been far from convincing.
Van Dijk, now 34, is no longer the force he once was. He struggled again in the Champions League defeat to PSV Eindhoven, where a rushed handball gifted a penalty.
On Wednesday, his decline was highlighted again when Chemsdine Talbi punished his hesitation, scoring from a long-range effort that deflected off the Dutchman.
Expert Reactions
Former England captain Steph Houghton criticised the moment:
“He gives the ball away and then he drops off… it’s the wrong decision.”
Jamie Redknapp echoed:
“Last season he didn’t make a mistake. Now he looks uncertain.”
Declining Numbers
Liverpool have kept only five clean sheets in 22 games this season, and Van Dijk’s recoveries, tackles, and interceptions have dropped to career-low levels.
Even his leadership — once a trademark — felt missing on a night when Liverpool desperately needed a spark.
A Frustrating Night at Anfield
Arne Slot kept faith with the team that beat West Ham, but this Liverpool side looked drained and uninspired.
Salah entered after halftime but failed to provide the expected lift.
Even summer signing Alexander Isak was anonymous.
Liverpool’s equaliser only came thanks to a lucky deflection off Nordi Mukiele from Florian Wirtz’s shot.
At the other end, Liverpool were nearly beaten before Federico Chiesa’s superb recovery challenge saved them.
Virgil van Dijk’s form has declined sharply as Liverpool struggle defensively in a tough season. Analysis of his errors, leadership concerns, pundit reactions, and how Sunderland vs Liverpool’s weaknesses in a 1-1 draw at Anfield. Liverpool vs sunderland its a grate match.
Sunderland vs Liverpool Regression
Sunderland, now 6th in the Premier League with 23 points, played fearless football and will feel unlucky not to leave Anfield with all three points.
Liverpool, meanwhile, looked slow, predictable, and lacking belief — a reflection of why their title defence is falling apart.
Final Verdict
Virgil van Dijk remains one of Liverpool’s greatest-ever defenders, but this season he is undeniably battling decline — a harsh reality for a once-imperious leader.
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