Liverpool FC – criticism of Virgil van Dijk after bankruptcy against Manchester United: “Strange defense”

Virgil van Dijk suffered criticism after Liverpool’s 2-1 defeat at Manchester United. Ex-professional Micah Richards accused the Dutchman of passive defensive behavior before Jadon Sancho conceded the first goal.

“It’s such a strange defence. We all know van Dijk had his injuries and they’re a much better side when he’s in the team, but some of those mistakes are so out of character for him and I just can’t believe what I see from such a world-class defender. It’s so strange to see that,” said former Man City defender Richards in his capacity as BBC-Expert.

Van Dijk acted hesitantly in the 1-2 defeat on Monday evening before Sancho’s 0-1. After team-mate James Milner straddled into space, van Dijk just stood with his arms crossed behind his back and two or three meters off the line of fire.

“Sancho had three or four seconds in the box to think about where to put the ball and van Dijk just stood there with his arms behind his back – it’s so unlike van Dijk,” analyzed Richards.

“Usually he’s so dominant, he reads the game so well and would come out to attack Sancho but he has so much space. I know people talk about Milner and how he goes down in the penalty area but van Dijk stands literally just there,” added the 34-year-old.

Liverpool FC still winless

After conceding, Milner and van Dijk also had a discussion on the pitch.

Under Jürgen Klopp, Liverpool FC had the worst start to the season in the ex-BVB coach’s era. After the third game day in the Premier League, the Reds are still waiting for their first win. In the first three games, Liverpool took only two points.