Liverpool fans express the same concern after watching Virgil van Dijk vs Aston Villa
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Rousing the Kop or go back to LFC Live.
Liverpool played their final away game of the Premier League season on Friday night, taking on Aston Villa.After drawing with Chelsea last time out, the Reds need to win one of their last two matches in 2025/26, or hope Bournemouth drop points, to guarantee a Champions League place next season.Aston Villa were expected to prove a tough test for Liverpool, whose fans made their feelings about Virgil van Dijk struggling against Ollie Watkins very clear during proceedings. What changes would you have made to the XI to face Villa?
No Isak again… Photo credit: Getty Images/Robbie Jay Barratt/AMA Liverpool fans concerned about Virgil van Dijk vs Aston VillaLiverpool were missing a number of key players from the starting eleven, seeing Curtis Jones used in a wider role and Cody Gakpo up front again.But the main concern fans had in the early stages of May 15’s tie was how much Van Dijk was struggling against Watkins.One fan claimed: “Van Dijk is done at this level,” with another echoing: “Pains me to say this, but LFC legend Van Dijk is clearly now on the slow decline and becoming part of the defensive problem. “Lost his pace, sharpness and not as commanding.
Not to mention Macca and Grav being the worst CM pairing in PL at the moment.”Another wrote: “Van Dijk is cooked. Watkins has already made him look silly.”A fourth Liverpool supporter commented: “Van Dijk is so washed.”“Remember a time Virgil never got beat,” added another, with a sixth writing: “VVD is lucky Watkins just done his hammy cause what he just done to Virgil is outrageous.”Virgil van Dijk linked with Liverpool exitNow 34, Van Dijk, who broke a record vs Aston Villa, will turn 35 in July, at which point he will be in the final 12 months of his Liverpool contract.Given how FSG tend to operate, it is hard to see the former Southampton man being offered another contract.In turn, it is likely he will be leaving Anfield next summer, though there has been some talk about a move this year.Turkish outfit Galatasaray are being linked with Van Dijk, and are thought to be keen on securing a transfer in 2026, rather than waiting until he is out of contract.Join Our NewsletterReceive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox