‘Really difficult’: TalkSPORT pundit now wonders if ‘incredible’ Liverpool player will ever regain best form

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Liverpool’s defending is once again under the microscope after a horrendous display against Napoli.

Jurgen Klopp’s side were beaten 4-1, and in reality, the score line could have been much worse.

Speaking on TalkSPORT, former Sunderland and Blackburn defender Micky Gray was discussing Liverpool’s performance.

In particular, Gray question Virgil van Dijk’s recent form, and questioned if the Dutchman could ever reach his best levels again.

Gray said: “There’s no denying he’s an incredible football player, and he’s probably one of the best centre-halves the Premier League’s ever seen.

“But now we’re starting to find out that Liverpool have got problems at the back.

“I think the full-backs aren’t showing the form they’ve showed over the last three or four seasons.

“He’s got a partner alongside him in (Joe) Gomez in the past couple of weeks who we know is really struggling for form and confidence.

“So, he’s having to put a lot of weight on his own shoulders, and he’s finding it really difficult.

“It’s hard to pinpoint and point your finger at one player, but because he’s been so good of the seasons, we’re looking at Virgil van Dijk from a level where he was nine or ten out of ten every single week.

“Now when his form has started to drop a little bit, everyone’s started to ask questions, is he still the same player?”

Van Dijk’s form questioned

There’s no denying how important Van Dijk has been to Liverpool since arriving from Southampton.

He’s been named Premier League Player of the Season, helped Liverpool win a historic Premier League title and the Champions League.

However, he suffered a serious knee injury in 2020 that saw him miss an entire season and the European Championship.

He’s started this season poorly, struggling to cope with Fulham’s Aleksandar Mitrovic on the opening day.

Van Dijk’s form has been questioned already this season, and last night’s display won’t help matters.

He gave away a penalty for a foul on Victor Osimhen after failing to nick the ball away from the striker.

It was very similar to a spot kick he gave away against Mitrovic last month.

The performances of his fellow defenders have not helped matters, but Liverpool need Van Dijk to step up quickly.

His favoured partner at the back Joel Matip came off the bench last night after returning from injury.

The Dutchman will be hoping Matip can help him find his feet again, with Wolves their next opponent’s on Saturday.