Brentford Community Stadium, London, Britain - January 2, 2023. Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk reacts.
Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk’s injury will be a ‘real worry’ for the Premier League club, according to talkSPORT pundit Gabby Agbonlahor.
The Lowdown: Initial fears confirmed
The Reds suffered a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Brentford on Monday, and unfortunately for Jurgen Klopp, the result wasn’t the only negative from that game.
The Netherlands international was substituted at the interval after sustaining a hamstring injury in the first half, and it has since been revealed that the body blow is worse than initially feared, meaning that he is set to face a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
The Latest: Agbonlahor’s comments
Speaking to Football Insider, Agbonlahor claimed that Van Dijk has been underperforming of late and suggested that, in years to come, the Dutchman may not be able to continue at the level that people would expect of the one-time PFA Player of the Year.
The former Aston Villa striker said: “I’m hoping it’s just a bad spell for him. But when I’m watching him, he doesn’t look himself.
“We’ve seen Mbeumo run in behind him, and he wasn’t catching him. The Van Dijk of old would have been all over it, but he looked laboured.
“Maybe there is an underlying injury, but not everyone can play at the top level until 37 or 38. It could be that his legs have gone.
“It happens – even to the best players – and that will be a real worry for Liverpool.”
The Verdict: Blow for Klopp
Whilst Van Dijk hasn’t been at his best this season, as reflected in his WhoScored career ratings, it will still come as a massive blow for Liverpool to learn that they will be without him for the foreseeable future.
The 6 foot 3 colossus has been a rock at the heart of the Reds’ backline, making 4.1 clearances and winning 2.6 aerial duels per league game in the current campaign, along with scoring two goals (WhoScored).
Liverpool still have the likes of Joel Matip and Ibrahima Konate available so there’s no need to panic about a lack of reliable centre-back options, but the club will nonetheless be hoping to have Van Dijk return as quickly as possible.
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