'No doubt': Alan Shearer thinks crucial Liverpool star has fallen off this season

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Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk hasn’t been immune to fair criticism, with Alan Shearer the latest to call the Dutchman into question. Who was YOUR Man of the Match in Liverpool’s win over Wolves? 😁 Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images Alan Shearer identifies Liverpool’s biggest problem and the Virgil van Dijk piece It’s not often Van Dijk is the subject of scrutiny.

The captain has been one of Liverpool’s best players for almost a decade, and his talent coupled with elite leadership means he is usually getting plaudits.But this hasn’t been his best season, and Shearer identifies that as one of the key issues for Arne Slot to fix.He said on BBC Sport before the game: “Liverpool have been weak defensively at times. When Liverpool are winning, it’s near-impossible to find fault with Van Dijk.

The struggles are really more of a team issue, though.Virgil van Dijk’s Liverpool numbers compared to last season In order to assess the truthfulness of Shearer’s assessment, it helps to look at the difference between Van Dijk’s numbers last season and now (via FotMob).24/25Virgil van Dijk PL stats (per90)25/261.03Tackles0.591.51Interceptions0.620.43Blocks0.5268.7%Duels won75.1%72.1%Aerial Duels won75.4%It’s a confusing comparison to get the head around. READ MORE: Virgil van Dijk’s advice to Rio Ngumoha immediately after Liverpool beat WolvesJoin Our NewsletterReceive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox