Michael Owen has offered his thoughts on why Virgil van Dijk has had such an underwhelming season after Liverpool were knocked out of the Champions League in a 1-0 defeat to Real Madrid.
After the game, Rio Ferdinand said that, unlike other legendary centre-backs, Van Dijk has had an “off-season”, despite the Reds’ many problems affecting his game.
Owen appeared to feel the same way about Van Dijk, whose struggles came to an end after Liverpool were again beaten by Real Madrid.
Michael Owen breaks down Virgil van Dijk’s decline after Liverpool lose to Real Madrid
Michael Owen has his say on Virgil van Dijk as he analyzes why Liverpool lost 6-2 on aggregate to Real Madrid British Telecom sports.
“When Liverpool are playing well, they don’t really have much to do. They press from the front. How many times have you seen Liverpool, when they are at their best, they take the ball at the top? But the question Yes, they exposed themselves, we all know that.”
Michael Owen continues to sympathize with Virgil van Dijk after Liverpool succumbed to another Champions League exit at the hands of Real Madrid,
“So, it’s a tough place to play, if your team isn’t doing well, it’s a tough position to play. He’s been exposed in 1v1s because he doesn’t handle it well and as a team it’s getting worse and worse. Worse.”
“But when Liverpool are playing well, you don’t even notice it because he messes everything up and he’s rarely called up.”
Michael Owen made a balanced argument for the Dutchman, as Liverpool as a whole have ended the season against Real Madrid and their collective flaws have also contributed to his undeniably poor performances.
In other news, Sky pundit weighs in on Vincent Kompany after Burnley transfer embargo and Tottenham link
