BBC pundit tears into Virgil van Dijk during Liverpool clash at City

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Peter Schmeichel has told BBC Sport that Virgil van Dijk was not good enough for Liverpool during the first-half of their Premier League clash with Manchester City.

The Reds went into the break 2-1 down after a pulsating 45 minutes at the Etihad Stadium. Kevin De Bruyne’s deflected effort had given the home side the lead.

Diogo Jota then equalised after a smart assist from Trent Alexander-Arnold. But the Premier League leaders were able to get themselves back in front, with Gabriel Jesus making a smart run to volley the ball past Alisson.

It was an incredible 45 minutes of football. But neither side were able to keep mistakes out of their game. And certainly, Liverpool struggled to contain the Cityzens.

Of course, van Dijk has been the world’s best centre-back for some time. And some may have backed the Dutchman to thrive up against Gabriel Jesus and Raheem Sterling.

However, Schmeichel did not hold back in his criticism of van Dijk following the second Manchester City goal, suggesting that he was one of the players who needed to step up.

“Liverpool look rattled in defence. Virgil van Dijk should be a calming influence, but he is making mistakes. He has made three big mistakes; Alisson has had two kicks turn into chances for City,” he told BBC Sport.

“It is not good enough if they want to win this game.”

Liverpool have it all to do as Virgil van Dijk struggles

Liverpool missed a brilliant chance to seize the initiative in the Premier League title race. They had the momentum having put together an unbelievable run leading up to the game at the Etihad Stadium..

Obviously, there is still plenty to play for. Both teams have seven more games in the top-flight. But clearly, it is a real setback for Jurgen Klopp’s side to not win.

They have the quality to still push City all the way. But ultimately, it proved to be a mixed day for the Reds.