The Virgil van Dijk Liverpool criticism intensified this weekend as pundits Alan Shearer and Micah Richards tore into the Reds’ defensive display during their 3-2 loss to Brentford.
Liverpool started the Premier League season with five straight wins, but four defeats in their last five have seen Arne Slot’s side tumble to seventh — already seven points adrift of leaders Arsenal. Their once-feared defence has become a glaring weakness, with senior centre-backs Van Dijk and Konaté now under heavy scrutiny.
Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Shearer called the pair “all over the place” and singled out the Dutch captain for a “terrible” showing at the Gtech Community Stadium.
“They’ve been terrible. And they were at Brentford — awful, both of them, I mean Van Dijk and Konaté, weren’t they?” — Alan Shearer, The Rest is Football
Richards agreed, adding that the balance between Liverpool’s two centre-backs has flipped — with Van Dijk now the one needing cover rather than providing it.
“Van Dijk needs help. How many times in previous seasons has he bailed them out? He needs Konaté to bail him out at the moment — and that’s not happening.” — Micah Richards
Liverpool’s defensive slide under Arne Slot
Since Jürgen Klopp’s rebuild in 2018, Liverpool have rarely looked this open. The combination of a new tactical shape under Slot and shaky individual form has seen them concede 14 goals already — joint-worst in the top half with Manchester United.
That average of 1.55 goals per game projects to 59 conceded across a full season — their highest in the Premier League era. Under Klopp, they never once topped 50 in a campaign.
Wayne Rooney has also joined the criticism this term, questioning Van Dijk’s decision-making and concentration. For a player once untouchable at the back, the narrative has flipped fast.
Virgil van Dijk – Premier League 2025/26 season snapshot
| Stat (2025/26) | Virgil van Dijk |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 9 |
| Goals | 0 |
| Tackles per game | 0.7 |
| Pass Accuracy | 90% |
source: Sofascore match data – 27 October 2025
The numbers remain tidy in possession, but Van Dijk’s duel success and positioning have dipped, suggesting physical fatigue or tactical discomfort.
Our View: The aura has faded — but can return
In our view, Van Dijk’s aura isn’t gone, it’s just cracked. Under Arne Slot, Liverpool’s high line demands more recovery pace and coordination — areas that decline first with age. When protection in midfield falters, even world-class defenders get exposed.
For Konaté, the challenge is consistency. If he can rediscover early-season form, Van Dijk’s leadership will again shine. But without a solid pairing, Liverpool’s title hopes will fade before Christmas.
Key Insights
- Virgil van Dijk Liverpool criticism escalates after Brentford defeat.
- Alan Shearer labels Dutchman “terrible”; Richards says he now “needs help.”
- Liverpool have conceded 14 league goals — joint-worst in top half.
- Defensive issues mirror early Klopp seasons before Alisson and Van Dijk.
- Arne Slot under pressure to fix structure and restore confidence.
What’s Next
Liverpool play Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup at home and later on this weekend they will play Aston Villa at Anfield on 1 November 2025, aiming to halt their four-game slide. Slot is expected to stick with Van Dijk and Konaté but could tweak midfield protection.
If the leaks continue, January reinforcements — or a tactical rethink — will be unavoidable for a club that once prided itself on defensive dominance.
👉 Can Virgil van Dijk silence the critics and lead Liverpool’s revival under Slot?
1 Comment (last comment by Adem)
First read message
By Adem 27 Oct 2025 11:00
I dont think there's much to blame on Van Dijk, he cant keep doing this all by himself. The backs are terrible and without Gravenberch they lack a midfield that cant defend.
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