One Liverpool star has a lot to thank Mo Salah for this season: Virgil van Dijk

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Daily Mirror IconSportFootballVirgil van DijkVirgil van Dijk's standing at Anfield should not make him immune from criticism - he's the captain and needs to lead by example on the pitch, just as well as he does off itFew of those involved at Liverpool have much to thank Mohamed Salah for this season. Salah is deserving of the flak he's getting too, because he has looked largely disinterested and disillusioned since the start of the campaign.But what Salah's struggles shouldn't distract from is the inescapable fact that Van Dijk has been just as woeful.There is an enormous amount of respect for Van Dijk at Anfield.

He does it every time.READ MORE: Mohamed Salah's Liverpool future in doubt as fans resigned over Egyptian's fateREAD MORE: Mo Salah accused by Wayne Rooney as Virgil van Dijk told how he must respondBut what Slot could do with more than anything else is for Van Dijk to do his talking on the pitch - not just off it. But his exceptional standards have slipped, and those singling him out have also slipped into the shadows.Liverpool's defence revolves around the leadership of Van Dijk.

And the time has come for Van Dijk to take some responsibility.In truth, Van Dijk has a lot on his plate. He was at fault for Sunderland's goal in midweek, but remains largely immune from those pointing fingers of blame.Slot will need Van Dijk to be at his strongest and most commanding when Liverpool travel to Leeds this weekend.