Liverpool Captain Van Dijk Criticised as Form Drops
Virgil Van Dijk
Image Credit: Liverpool FC
Liverpool FC’s recent struggles have placed familiar pressure on several senior figures, but the focus during the 1-1 draw against Sunderland shifted sharply onto captain Virgil van Dijk. Long regarded as one of the Premier League’s most commanding defenders, Van Dijk is now experiencing a noticeable downturn in form, prompting wider discussion about what his performances mean for Liverpool’s season. The scrutiny follows months of inconsistency across the squad, with analysts noting the broader defensive issues that have contributed to the club’s decline.
You see this decline referenced frequently in Football Analysis circles, especially when looking at Van Dijk’s current numbers compared with earlier seasons. Van Dijk, now 34, signed a two-year contract extension last summer, alongside fellow veteran Mohamed Salah. At the time, the decision raised no concerns within the club. Both players were considered leaders whose experience would help stabilise a squad undergoing significant transition. Instead, Liverpool’s defensive malaise has deepened, and the captain’s form has become a central talking point for supporters, coaches, and commentators.
The Premier League campaign has already exposed multiple vulnerabilities across the back line. Arne Slot’s £450m summer rebuild has yet to settle, with new additions struggling to integrate and existing partnerships showing signs of wear. Van Dijk’s long-standing aura of dominance has weakened during this period, and the defender has faced growing criticism over errors that would have been unthinkable earlier in his Liverpool career. Analysts tracking Virgil van Dijk’s Fights Decline note that his recoveries, tackles, and interceptions are at their lowest levels since he joined the club.
Liverpool’s challenges were evident once again when Van Dijk’s miscontrol and failure to close down Chemsdine Talbi resulted in Sunderland’s opening goal. The defender gave the ball away and then appeared uncertain in his response, turning his back as Talbi’s shot deflected past Alisson Becker. The moment aligned with larger criticisms regarding Van Dijk’s uncharacteristic rash challenges this season and his growing tendency to drop off in dangerous positions. Former England captain Steph Houghton told BBC Radio 5 Live that Van Dijk’s hesitation disrupted the defensive shape, leaving teammates unsure of how to react.
The pressure intensified after a midweek Champions League defeat to PSV Eindhoven, where Van Dijk conceded a penalty through a handball incident that mirrored earlier signs of uncertainty. Analysts referencing the Handball PSV Champions League moment have pointed to this error as symbolic of his season. Such instances contrast sharply with the authority Van Dijk once displayed, prompting figures like Jamie Redknapp to note that the Dutchman is now second-guessing decisions he previously executed with absolute conviction.
Liverpool FC’s broader defensive issues cannot be separated from Van Dijk’s form. Ibrahima Konaté’s dip in performance and Milos Kerkez’s struggle to adapt at left-back have contributed to the instability. Slot’s tactical system, introduced during a period of squad overhaul, has yet to generate cohesion. Graeme Souness’s criticism earlier in the season underscored this point, arguing that Liverpool’s defensive structure is failing in ways that extend beyond individual errors.
Despite this, it is important to keep perspective. Van Dijk’s record includes two Premier League titles, a Champions League triumph, the FA Cup, and two EFL Cups. Those achievements do not erase his current difficulties, but they offer context. Players of his calibre are not dismissed after a handful of poor months. Still, the reality remains that Van Dijk poor form in 2025 has affected Liverpool’s ability to control matches, particularly when leadership on the pitch is needed most.
Against Sunderland, Liverpool’s lack of direction was clear. Even as the team searched for an equaliser, there was little urgency or organisation. Van Dijk was eventually moved forward as an emergency striker, underscoring the tactical desperation as Liverpool attempted to rescue the game. Slot’s challenges have increased as performances continue to drift, and the manager now faces deeper questions regarding how to stabilise a side whose identity once revolved around discipline and intensity.
Sunderland, meanwhile, delivered a performance worthy of their rising Premier League status. Regis Le Bris has shaped a confident squad that approaches matches with ambition rather than caution. The team sits sixth in the league with 23 points and left Anfield feeling they could have secured more, especially after near misses from Omar Alderete and Trai Hume. Their organisation and intent contrasted sharply with Liverpool’s sluggish display.
Liverpool did manage an equaliser through a deflected Florian Wirtz strike, but it did little to mask the underlying issues. Even a late recovery run from Federico Chiesa to stop Wilson Isidor’s potential winner highlighted how much Liverpool relied on individual interventions rather than collective structure. Observers have noted that the team’s recent win against West Ham now seems more like an exception than a sign of renewed momentum.
As the season progresses, questions surrounding the Van Dijk contract extension, Liverpool’s tactical direction, and Slot’s long-term strategy continue to circulate. The captain remains an essential figure within the squad, but his current trajectory raises concerns about how Liverpool can restore stability in their defensive system. For now, Van Dijk fights decline under increasing scrutiny, reflecting a turning point in both his individual career and Liverpool FC’s broader ambitions.
The draw against Sunderland does not change the trajectory of recent weeks, but it reinforces the challenges Liverpool must confront if they hope to re-establish themselves in the Premier League title race. Whether Van Dijk can regain his authoritative presence may determine how quickly those ambitions can be revived.
This story was originally featured in BBC
