Van Dijk’s Recent Form Raises Eyebrows Ahead of Liverpool Return

In the heart of the action during the Netherlands’ recent clash against the Republic of Ireland, Virgil van Dijk found himself under the spotlight for reasons he’d rather forget. The Liverpool stalwart, who has been a rock at the back for both club and country, showed a rare moment of vulnerability.

A Night to Forget for the Dutch Captain

The 32-year-old centre-back, who captains the Dutch side, conceded an early penalty, allowing Ireland to take the initial lead. While the Netherlands managed to turn the tide with a 2-1 victory, courtesy of a Cody Gakpo penalty, the evening’s events have raised questions about Van Dijk’s current form.

Miguel Delaney of the Independent highlighted the defender’s ‘vulnerable’ display, a sentiment that has been echoed by many who watched the match.

The Dutch are there for the taking. Van Dijk looking vulnerable against Idah.

— Miguel Delaney (@MiguelDelaney) September 10, 2023

A Pattern of Concern?

This isn’t the first time this season that Van Dijk has found himself under scrutiny. Earlier, he was shown a red card during Liverpool’s 2-1 triumph over Newcastle United. Such moments are uncharacteristic for a player of his calibre, leading to whispers about whether the centre-back is truly at his peak.

Liverpool’s Expectations

As Van Dijk prepares to rejoin Liverpool, the stakes are high. The Reds are relying on their captain to steer them towards success, and Jurgen Klopp will be keen to see his main defender return to his best. The recent errors are anomalies in an otherwise stellar career, but they’re anomalies that Liverpool can ill afford.

Van Dijk, at 32, is at a pivotal juncture in his career. While he should be showcasing his best, recent performances on both the international and Premier League stages suggest a dip in form.