Liverpool clashed with PSV in the Champions League on Wednesday, looking to avoid a repeat of last season’s shock 3-2 loss.
Arne Slot made a few changes to his team for the meeting with the Dutch high-flyers, most notably dropping Alexander Isak for Hugo Ekitike.
We also saw Alisson miss out on the matchday squad completely, due to what is thought to be some form of illness.
Even without their number one, Liverpool were still able to field a strong team as they aimed to bounce back from this past weekend’s 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest.
However, PSV took the lead after just five minutes when Virgil van Dijk handled the ball in his own box to give away a penalty, which was converted by Ivan Perisic.
The worst of the lot from the captain tonight
Liverpool fans question Virgil van Dijk leadership vs PSV
The Dutchman’s error was blatant despite his protests, and it has caused a furious reaction from supporters online.
Many have now taken to social media to question Van Dijk and his ability to lead this Liverpool team during a difficult period.
One fan wrote: “Virgil Van Dijk is supposed to be the leader and captain of this side. Arne Slot doesn’t need his captain giving away a penalty.”
A second added: “No sympathy for any of them. Van Dijk isn’t a leader, he’s a ———.”
“I hate to do this, as he’s my favourite player right now. But questions have to be asked of Van Dijk’s leadership. Penalty aside. I’m constantly seeing players jump out of tackles, turning their backs to clearances and shots, checking on the opponent’s welfare…” tweeted another.
A fourth claimed: “Virgil Van Dijk showing his leadership qualities there. Schoolboy penalty to give away. Chronic.”
“Virgil Van Dijk should be fined a month’s wages for that handball, what an absolute tool when you’re the skipper and your team keeps conceding first, no excuses, captain or not,” commented another.
While a sixth, perhaps harshly, stated: “Van Dijk should be sacked alongside Slot, by the way, awful captain. Sickens me.”
Virgil van Dijk is in the company of Liverpool legends
Virgil van Dijk made his 57th start in the UEFA Champions League for Liverpool vs PSV. Only Jamie Carragher (80), Mohamed Salah (72), and
Steven Gerrard (68) have made more for the Reds in the European Cup/Champions
League
Wayne Rooney comments on Virgil van Dijk
Wednesday’s clash is not the first time the Liverpool captain has come in for criticism this season.
Former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney hit out at Van Dijk and Mohamed Salah for their lack of leadership late last month.
He said: “Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah, they’ve signed new deals but I don’t think they’ve really led that team this season.
“I think body language tells you a lot, and I think we’re seeing slightly different body language from the two of them. They are the top two players in that team and if their body language is not right, that affects everyone else.”
Liverpool already have big problems at centre-back this season with Ibrahima Konate out of form, and they can’t really afford for their skipper to now start making similarly questionable mistakes.
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