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

Rio Ferdinand has leapt to the defence of Virgil van Dijk.

The stoic Liverpool centre-half faced criticism for his performance in the Community Shield last week.

That was after he conceded a penalty which allowed Crystal Palace to claw their way back into the game.



However, Manchester United legend Ferdinand was quick to rush to the 34-year-old's defence.

READ MORE:Antoine Semenyo praised for his reaction as Bournemouth express anger over 'racist abuse'READ MORE:Police investigate alleged racist abuse at Anfield as Liverpool release statement

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.

"So I don't get people saying, 'Oh, has he gone?' I'm seeing people say, 'Is he finished?' Are you crazy?" It comes as Van Dijk's defensive partner, Ibrahima Konate, was the one facing criticism during Liverpool's Premier League opener against Bournemouth on Friday night.

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Despite the Reds taking a 2-0 lead at Anfield courtesy of strikes from Hugo Ekitike and Cody Gakpo, the Cherries managed to draw level with less than 15 minutes remaining after Antoine Semenyo's brace.

The 25-year-old's stunning equaliser particularly drew the ire of Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher, who slammed Konate after the typically reliable defender was caught out of position as Semenyo charged towards Alisson's goal before firing home.

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

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

Oh my God, he's been absolutely shocking tonight, Konate."

The home fans were left breathing a sigh of relief as substitute Federico Chiesa smashed home a stunning volley with just two minutes remaining, marking his first-ever Premier League goal.

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