Virgil van Dijk has been branded a “coward” in a scathing on-air blast from former Premier League midfielder Craig Burley, who accused the Liverpool captain of failing to take responsibility during Sunderland’s damaging equaliser at Anfield. The goal — a deflected effort from Chemsdine Talbi — cost Arne Slot’s side two precious points and intensified scrutiny on a squad struggling to find rhythm or authority this season.
Liverpool’s Stuttering Form Continues
Liverpool entered the match hoping to build momentum after their narrow win over West Ham, but another sluggish and disjointed display left the home crowd restless. The Reds lacked cutting edge, speed, and composure, while Sunderland — fearless and disciplined — repeatedly caused problems.
The visitors struck the woodwork twice in the first half and finally punished Liverpool early in the second period when Talbi was given far too much space on the edge of the area. His shot took a decisive nick off Van Dijk, wrong-footing David Raya and rolling into the far corner.
Liverpool eventually salvaged a point through a fortunate own goal forced by Florian Wirtz, but the performance offered little encouragement heading into a difficult stretch of fixtures.
Burley: “Van Dijk Is the Barometer of What’s Wrong”
Van Dijk’s form has been patchy all season, but public criticism has been relatively muted — until now.
Burley unleashed a fierce critique on ESPN, insisting Liverpool’s captain is at the heart of their problems this season:
“He is the barometer of what is wrong this year. He is supposed to be the leader. All he has done all season is throw Kerkez under the bus, throw his arms in the air. He is making as many mistakes as any other player.”
Burley argued that too much of the conversation is focused on underperforming attackers such as Salah or new arrivals like Wirtz and Isak, while Van Dijk’s decline has gone under the radar.
The ‘Coward’ Accusation: A Brutal Breakdown of the Goal
Burley’s harshest comments were saved for Van Dijk’s defending during Sunderland’s goal:
“He does everything wrong. Pass, doesn’t close it down, and turns his back like a coward. It’s crazy. He seems to be coming out of it unscathed, and it’s everybody else’s fault. But for me, he has been as bad as anybody.”
The pundit suggested the moment symbolised Van Dijk’s season — hesitant, reactive, and far from the authoritative defender who once dominated Premier League forwards.
Liverpool’s Title Hopes Hanging by a Thread
Liverpool now sit 11 points behind leaders Arsenal, a gap that looks enormous given their erratic form and lack of defensive stability. The six league defeats already on their record underline a team that has lost its identity and cohesion.
Arne Slot is juggling injuries, tactical tweaks, and underperforming stars, but Liverpool’s inability to control matches is becoming an alarming trend.
Leeds Away Looms — and It Won’t Be Easy
The challenge intensifies this weekend as Liverpool travels to Elland Road. Leeds, buoyed by their midweek win over Chelsea, are showing the kind of intensity and belief that have often troubled Slot’s side.
Daniel Farke’s men snapped a four-game losing streak and moved back into safety — and they will relish hosting a Liverpool team lacking confidence, conviction, and leadership.
For Van Dijk, the spotlight will only grow brighter. For Liverpool, the margin for error is disappearing fast.