Former West Ham United defender Matthew Upson has been speaking about Virgil van Dijk - suggesting the Liverpool star has looked 'quite poor at times' in the opening three Premier League games of the season.
Van Dijk, who is regarded by many as the best centre-back in the world, came in for criticism from Micah Richards for his part in Jadon Sancho's opening goal for Manchester United in Liverpool's 2-1 loss at Old Trafford on Monday night. And, after the ball in the back of the net, James Milner was involved in a heated discussion with his Reds team-mate.
And speaking on Sky Sports, Upson, who was capped 21 times by England in his playing days, has had his say on the Dutchman. "Well I think you're talking about a very accomplished centre back, who's got an amazing reputation, ticks a lot of boxes, but he is a big guy," said Upson.
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"Liverpool aren't quite firing on all cylinders at the moment and it's going to leave you a little bit more exposed than what you would usually expect. You're seeing that in certain moments that he's finding himself in at the moment.
"When that space is around you, it's about getting out to the ball quickly - getting yourself set. He is a master at assessing 1v1 situations, guiding players into avenues he wants them to go so he can stay on his feet and just shepherd in things where he needs to be.
"You don't necessarily see him too many times throw himself in the way of balls, go to ground, make last ditch tackles, he's not that type of defender. But he's finding himself in situations at the moment where that's actually now required. Liverpool aren't in control of games as much as they like so those situations where he's got to go out and affect the ball, he's not really reacting in that way and looks quite poor at times."
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