Matip and Van Dijk called out for Liverpool form

TalkSPORT’s Mark Goldbridge believes he’s been left disappointed by the recent form of Liverpool duo Joel Matip and Virgil van Dijk.

The Lowdown: Liverpool aren’t the same as they once were

After a stunning few years under Jurgen Klopp which has seen Liverpool win a whole load of trophies including the Champions League, Premier League and Carabao Cup it now could be unravelling quite quickly.

The Reds currently find themselves nine points off the top four and even five points off Newcastle United in fifth with their latest 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace being another sign that things aren’t all rosy at Anfield.

Back-to-back league wins against Everton and Newcastle have swiftly been forgotten following a Champions League thumping against Real Madrid and then the draw at Palace but despite their third league clean sheet in a row, the defence has been impressing everyone.

The Latest: Van Dijk and Matip being exposed

Gold bridge believes that this season has shown Van Dijk and Matip for the defenders they may actually be and has insisted on Ben Foster’s YouTube channel that the pair have gone down in his estimations.

He said: (38:20) “I’ve always rated Van Dijk but I must admit, he’s had a midfield in front of him for his whole career and now he doesn’t – you can’t pick all the midfield runners up – but I think those centre backs, Matip and Van Dijk, are probably not as good as I thought they were this season.”

The Verdict: Klopp must find the perfect balance

Liverpool are indeed likely going to have to write this season off in terms of the top-four race and winning the Champions League given where they currently stand in both of those competitions, although they may still fancy their chances in the FA Cup.

However, if they are to lift a piece of unlikely silverware then Liverpool need to find consistency as this season they’ve never won three league games in a row with woes at both ends of the pitch letting them down.

Klopp will know that standards from most players have dropped this season and perhaps this poor campaign is what is needed to shock everyone back into life and make them realise that the last few good years aren’t guaranteed to repeat themselves in the future so all players must now step up, or risk being replaced.

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