2 days ago
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Rio Ferdinand has jumped to the defence of Virgil van Dijk following criticism of the Liverpool captain's display in the Community Shield last week.
The center-back faced scrutiny after giving away a penalty that allowed Crystal Palace to fight back into the match. Liverpool eventually departed Wembley empty-handed following a dramatic penalty shootout, with the Eagles claiming victory in their first-ever appearance in the competition thanks to Dean Henderson's outstanding goalkeeping display.
Consequently, Van Dijk found himself under the microscope for his contribution to the outcome. Nevertheless, Manchester United icon Ferdinand was swift to defend the 34-year-old. On his Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, he remarked: "Speaking of center-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?"
This comes as Van Dijk's defensive partner, Ibrahima Konate, found himself facing criticism during Liverpool's Premier League opener against Bournemouth on Friday.
Despite the Reds establishing a 2-0 advantage at Anfield through goals from Hugo Ekitike and Cody Gakpo, the Cherries fought back to equalise with fewer than 15 minutes left on the clock following Antoine Semenyo's double.
The 25-year-old's spectacular leveller particularly infuriated Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher, who criticized Konate after the usually dependable center-back was caught out of position as Semenyo raced towards Alisson's goal before finding the net.
The Liverpool legend was heard declaring: "And this Liverpool team is far too open. What is Konate doing?
"Oh my God, he's been absolutely shocking tonight, Konate."
The Anfield faithful were left exhaling with relief as substitute Federico Chiesa thundered home a magnificent volley with merely two minutes left, securing his maiden Premier League strike.
The jubilation continued as Mohamed Salah added the finishing touch four minutes into stoppage time, cutting in from the left flank before coolly converting past Djordje Petrovic into the bottom right corner.
The encounter was marred by an alleged racist remark directed at Semenyo from a spectator during the opening period. Meanwhile, there were poignant moments before, throughout, and afterwards as homage was paid to the late Diogo Jota and his sibling, Andre Silva.
With their next match not until Monday, 25 August, against Newcastle at St. James' Park, Arne Slot and his Liverpool team now have plenty of time to regroup and rejuvenate, as well as rectify any issues that could've been detrimental in the Bournemouth game.
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