In a surprising turn of events at Anfield, Gary Neville was left bewildered by Virgil van Dijk’s performance during Liverpool’s 2-1 defeat to Manchester United, while Jamie Carragher didn’t hold back in his critique of the Reds’ “baby”.
Harry Maguire’s last-minute header clinched victory for United, a result that accentuated the collective struggles faced by Arne Slot’s team. Individual performances were under the spotlight, with Mohamed Salah, Alexander Isak, and notably, Van Dijk faltering. The Dutchman was accountable for Bryan Mbeumo’s opener, having collided with his teammate, Alexis Mac Allister, leaving the latter sprawled on the pitch nursing his head. Van Dijk then failed to intercept a Bruno Fernandes pass or regroup defensively as Mbeumo surged past him to score.
Neville shared his disbelief in commentary, remarking, “Mac Allister goes down, but the real shock is Van Dijk. Mbeumo disappears from his sight. That is the big surprise.” The striker’s reaction, likened to a boxer’s agility, eluded Mamardashvili, resulting in an astonishing start for the visitors. “I can’t discern whether Van Dijk was attempting an offside trap. He gestures towards Konate, indicating, ‘That’s your responsibility’. It’s an odd transition of duty from him,” Neville added.
Roy Keane, analysing the action for Sky Sports, commented, “Sure, the referee might stop it, but Van Dijk’s involvement with the header is perplexing. He then missteps in tackling Fernandes, leaving Liverpool vulnerable. It’s subpar from Van Dijk.”
Jamie Redknapp, joining in the analysis, stated, “This is outstanding from United, but Van Dijk blunders. He has to some back quickly. There’s a collision, but he must restore the defensive shape. Just transferring responsibility to [Ibrahima] Konate isn’t enough.”
Carragher heaped praise on Konate after the match, particularly in light of Van Dijk’s blunders. Highlighting a moment just before Mbeumo’s goal, Carragher remarked, “What’s concerning is Cunha succeeding over Van Dijk moments prior to that.” He continued on Sky Sports, “Van Dijk often had to mind and essentially baby Konate this season. It’s a role reversal thus far.”
Milos Kerkez’s challenging outing did not escape Neville’s notice, who pinpointed Liverpool’s left side, partnering with Van Dijk, as a significant concern. “Konate has been exemplary. On numerous occasions, he’s been Liverpool’s sole defender. He’s excelled while the others falter,” Neville observed. “Typically, Liverpool’s right-side defence is targeted, but today, it’s the left with Kerkez and Van Dijk struggling.”
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