Van Dijk’s alleged selfishness leaves Liverpool’s future hanging

Virgil van Dijk's Liverpool future remains up in the air. The Liverpool captain has been accused of avoiding the risk of being made to look foolish by leaving Milos Kerkez to fend for himself.

Season setbacks and mixed form

The Reds have lost three times in all competitions this season, suffering a 3‑0 Premier League defeat to Manchester City, a 1‑0 loss to defending champions Arsenal and a narrow 3‑2 defeat to Fenerbahce in the Champions League. Although Liverpool have not been producing amazing performances, their recent displays have been a bit more promising despite a recent two‑game run of losses.

The Reds played well against Arsenal as the Gunners survived waves of Liverpool attacks. Andoni Iraola’s men were 2‑1 up against Fenerbahce before two late goals saw them drop Champions League points. Liverpool were poor at times defensively against the Turkish side.

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Brugge boss warns of Van Dijk’s reluctance

Former Anderlecht and Gent boss Hein Vanhaezebrouck said Club Brugge can exploit looking after himself rather than the team this season when the clubs meet later this month. He told Het Niuewsblad that he genuinely believes Club can compete for a spot in the top eight. He added that there is only one truly difficult opponent left, but even against Liverpool there are opportunities. Regarding Van Dijk, he claimed the defender should provide cover but “won’t do it”, adding that he “doesn’t want to risk being made to look foolish, so he leaves his left‑back to fend for himself”.

Vanhaezebrouck reckons Club Brugge must avoid falling behind against Liverpool when the teams meet on November 25 in Belgium. He warned that the Reds tend to defend with a high line, which suits Club Brugge, and that once Liverpool take the lead they shift gears and sit back to wait for the opposition. He noted that Club Brugge finish at home against Bodø/Glimt, avoiding travel to the Arctic Circle, and must not get ahead of themselves, taking it one step at a time. He believes ten points should be enough to secure a spot in the top 24, needing only one more point, and that seven or eight points from the remaining four matches will likely be required to reach the top eight.