Former Manchester United captain and Sky Sports activities pundit Roy Keane has issued a stark caution to Virgil van Dijk, wondering the Liverpool skipper’s management and defensive performances amid the membership’s rising troubles.
After a 2-1 defeat to United at Anfield, Liverpool’s fourth loss in all competitions this season, Keane recommended Van Dijk will have to glance within the replicate and evaluation his position as a senior determine within the squad.
Liverpool arrived on the conflict with United below power, searching for to halt a disastrous run of defeats. United struck early, and Van Dijk, generally a determine of defensive calm, got here in for pointed grievance relating to his positioning and affect.
Roy Keane questions Liverpool captain Van Dijk
Keane informed Sky Sports activities: “When you’re a centre half and you’re a big player, last year we were on about who was going to stay and he signed a big contract, then you’re giving up loads of goals. I’d be looking at him and asking ‘what are you doing’?
“Particularly as a big leader of the team. A couple of years ago we talked about United parking the bus here and we were critical. Now they’ve scored two today and two last year and you’re the centre half.”
The previous United guy’s message used to be transparent, in a squad present process transition, the senior figures will have to assert themselves and in his view, Van Dijk has but to take action constantly.
Keane’s feedback have positioned Van Dijk below the microscope at one of the vital essential junctures of the season, even supposing the season remains to be younger.
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Van Dijk has to take extra responsibilityVirgil van Dijk of Liverpool (Picture by way of Michael Regan/Getty Pictures)
He believes that as captain and senior defender, Van Dijk has the duty to secure the send and to this point, he feels that duty has now not been met absolutely.
This isn’t the primary time Van Dijk has come below critical grievance for his defensive paintings and his positioning.
In Liverpool’s defeat in opposition to Chelsea earlier than the world smash, Van Dijk used to be criticised for his deficient positioning in Moises Caicedo’s purpose.
The onus is now on Van Dijk to display why he’s nonetheless one of the most recreation’s elite now not simply in skill however within the affect and management anticipated from the person on the again.
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