BBC pundit picks out two Liverpool players who really struggled vs Fulham tonight

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Dion Dublin wasn’t convinced by the performances of two Liverpool players against Fulham this evening.

The Reds struggled through a poor opening 45 minutes against the Cottagers, Willian firing in the only goal of the first-half.

And with the 45 minutes just about up, Dublin told BBC Sport that Liverpool’s centre-half partnership in particular was struggling.

“When Fulham go forward Raul Jimenez is causing the two Liverpool centre halves, Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk, all kinds of problems,” said the former striker.

“Being physical, holding the ball up doing what all old-fashioned centre forwards used to do. Making things as difficult for the defenders as possible. Liverpool are not looking comfortable at the back.”

Liverpool struggle to deal with Jimenez

Dublin is absolutely spot on with this analysis. And it isn’t the first time Jimenez has made life difficult for Van Dijk and co.

Back in his Wolves days, the Mexican – along with Diogo Jota, ironically – would often give Liverpool a tough game. Aided by Willian and Andreas Perreira this evening, Jimenez was up to his old tricks again.

Van Dijk especially just couldn’t seem to get a handle on his direct opponent.

Perhaps still struggling with a hangover from the illness that ruled him out of Sunday’s win over Arsenal, the Reds captain just never looked comfortable.

It wasn’t just up against Jimenez, Van Dijk couldn’t quite settle all evening. Getting underneath headed clearances and a little sloppy with his passing game, the 32-year-old was far from his best.

Had Liverpool been at a full compliment, it’s unlikely that Van Dijk would have been playing this evening. But such are the Reds injury issues right now, they couldn’t afford to leave him out.

Without their vice-captain, Trent Alexander-Arnold, as well as senior players Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and even Alisson Becker, Liverpool needed Virgil’s leadership. For once, tonight, that was a little bit missing.

As for Konate, we actually think he got far better as the game went on. The Frenchman wasn’t quite hitting the levels he did against Arsenal, but he was decent enough.

The pair will have better days ahead individually and together. Just an off night. Nothing to worry about.