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Virgil van Dijk was criticised after the Community Shield(Image: Getty Images)

Virgil van Dijk has been fiercely defended by Rio Ferdinand.

The former Premier League defender dubbed critics "crazy" for claiming the centre-half was past his best after Liverpool's penalty shootout loss to Crystal Palace in the Community Shield.

The Reds got off to a flyer at Wembley last weekend, with Hugo Ekitike scoring within five minutes to put them 1-0 up against the Eagles.



Van Dijk may have captained his side to another Premier League title just months ago, but some people weren't best pleased with his recent performance.

And that forced former Manchester United star, Ferdinand, to rush to his defence.

Speaking on his Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, he said: "Speaking of centre-backs who play under a lot of scrutiny, I've seen a lot of people talking about Virgil van Dijk and his performance in the Community Shield.

"Yeah, Virgil van Dijk will come off that game and then go, 'I could have made a better decision here or there.' This stage of the season before the first game of the Premier League, that's normal.

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"So I don't get people saying, 'Oh, has he gone?' I'm seeing people say, 'Is he finished?' Are you crazy?"

Rio Ferdinand has defended Virgil van Dijk(Image: YouTube / Rio Ferdinand Presents)

Van Dijk's centre-half partner, Ibrahima Konate, came in for flak during Liverpool's Premier League opener against AFC Bournemouth on Friday evening.

While the defending champions were quick to go 2-0 up at Anfield thanks to goals from Ekitike and Cody Gakpo, Cherries forward Antoine Semenyo was able to level the game with just under 15 minutes to play after a remarkable brace.

The 25-year-old's second goal in particular saw Sky Sports commentator, Jamie Carragher, lambast Konate, given the usually flawless centre-back was wrong-sided by his opponent as he drove towards Alisson's box before blasting the ball home.

Ibrahima Konate was criticised by Jamie Carragher(Image: PA)

The Liverpool legend was heard saying: "And this Liverpool team is far too open.

Mohamed Salah then sealed the deal for Liverpool four minutes into extra time, cutting in from the left-hand side before tucking the ball past Djordje Petrovic and into the bottom right corner.

Arne Slot and Liverpool will have plenty of time to reset and refresh ahead of their next fixture, given that they aren't back in action now until they take on Newcastle United at St James' Park come Monday, August 25.

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