Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher believes Virgil van Dijk’s lack of intensity is his main weakness.
Van Dijk is widely regarded as the best centre-back in the Premier League, but he was not at his best when Liverpool were beaten 2-1 by Manchester United on Monday night.
The Dutchman has been criticised for his role in Manchester United’s first goal at Old Trafford.
Van Dijk stood on the edge of the six-yard box with his legs firmly on his feet and his arms behind his back as Jadon Sancho Cooley fired into the net from near the penalty spot.
Jadon Sancho pictured to score for Manchester United while Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk stands on the edge of the six-yard box , instead of locking him up
Sky Sports
Liverpool captain James Milner, seconds before he slipped desperately to the ground to tackle Sancho, before he was seen arguing with Van Dijk.
“That’s your ball,” Milner shouted to his teammates, as if to suggest that Dyke should have driven Sancho to death.
Analysing the matter after the Sky Sports game, Carragher agrees that Van Dijk should have done more.
James Milner (left) yells at Van Dijk during Liverpool’s 2-1 loss at Old Trafford call
Sky Sports
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Carragher said: “In some ways, Milner put himself [to the ground] because he was actually in front of [Sancho]. But Van Dijk has to come forward.
“There is only one Something I would ask Virgil van Dijk. If you look at the list as a centre-back, he’s 10/10 in most things.
“But one of the things I sometimes think about is: ‘Did he lack a bit of intensity at some point?’
“I even think about the Champions League final , a pass in a pass, he just stretched his leg out.
” and against Crystal Palace…I know you never see him on the field, it’s a strength for the defender. The defender is not a Good sign. But when you’re in the proverb again and again, you have to give it your all.
“Crystal Palace is one of them, he has to go to the floor and make a block.
“The one there [before Sancho scores] is that you have to fly out and pounce on him, glide across the floor and make yourself as big as you can.
” You can’t just stand there. His stance almost made himself smaller.
“That’s one thing I think about sometimes [about Van Dyke].”
