Virgil Van Dijk’s form questioned as Liverpool captain rallies team before PSG return | OneFootball

Virgil van Dijk has been less dominant this season, yet the Liverpool captain still carries weight in the dressing room and is intent on leading a response against PSG on Tuesday.

His Premier League figures include a 67.3 percent pass completion and 2.2 ball recoveries per match, both his lowest in the competition. Errors have crept in since the 1-4 against PSV on 26 November, then a passive first half at Bournemouth in the 2-3 on 24 January, followed by involvement in all four goals in the 0-4 FA Cup quarter-final at Manchester City last Saturday, before a lack of mobility was evident in Paris, particularly for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s 65th-minute finish in the 0-2. Jamie Carragher, speaking to CBS, felt the criticism has been harsh.

He argued Ibrahima Konaté has struggled across the campaign, including in Paris, which makes the role alongside him more difficult. Carragher also highlighted van Dijk’s ever-present status.

The Dutchman is the only Premier League player, alongside Nikola Milenkovic of Nottingham Forest, to have played every minute in 2025-2026. He has also scored five goals in all competitions since last summer.

As captain he has repeatedly fronted up after games and remained available to team-mates off the pitch, qualities that have maintained respect during a chaotic season.

After the 0-2 in Paris, van Dijk called for self-belief, intensity and desire in the return, saying the team must be ready for a fight, which he framed as the minimum expected of a Liverpool player.

Source: L'Équipe