He’s not the same player he used to be then..he plays like he’s tired of playing football “Chris Sutton blasts ‘reckless’ Liverpool player over ‘daft’ first-half moment v Southampton.

In a recent assessment, former Premier League striker Chris Sutton voiced concerns about Virgil van Dijk’s current form, suggesting the Liverpool defender is not reaching his previous elite levels. Sutton stated, “I don’t think so. I think he was without doubt, when he went to Liverpool, the best defender in the Premier League up until the Pickford moment. Since then he hasn’t quite been the same.”

Van Dijk, who arrived at Liverpool in January 2018 for what was then a record fee for a defender, swiftly became a pillar of the team’s backline. His leadership and defensive excellence played a vital role in Liverpool winning both the Champions League and Premier League in consecutive seasons. However, a major knee injury in October 2020, caused by a challenge from Everton’s Jordan Pickford, kept him out for a long spell. Since returning, discussions have persisted about whether he has fully regained his previous form.

Sutton’s remarks highlight an ongoing debate among fans and analysts regarding Van Dijk’s recent displays. While some argue he remains among the league’s top defenders, others feel his influence has waned post-injury. Sutton further commented, “Is he still a good defender? I think he is, but you’d put him in a category alongside other good Premier League defenders. I think he’s still good, but he’s certainly not the best defender in the Premier League.”

This critique reflects the lofty standards expected of Van Dijk, given his past achievements and dominance on the field. As Liverpool pushes forward in its campaign, the team’s defensive stability, with Van Dijk as a key figure, will be pivotal in shaping their success in both domestic and European competitions.