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Rio Ferdinand SLAMS Virgil van Dijk after CRIMINAL defending for Liverpool vs Barcelona
VIRGIL VAN DIJK has been heavily criticised for his role in Barcelona’s opening goal against Liverpool on Wednesday.
Van Dijk has had a sublime season at the back for Liverpool, becoming the first defender in over a decade to win PFA Player of the Year.
However, the Dutchman has come under fire in the Champions League semi-final first leg at Barcelona.
Luis Suarez opened the scoring against his former side, poking the ball past Reds goalkeeper Alisson after a fine pass by Jordi Alba.
But former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand was critical for Van Dijk for losing Suarez in the 18-yard area.
Virgil van Dijk there, static. That’s criminal in that position
“Virgil van Dijk here, he’s at fault,” Ferdinand said on BT Sport.
“He can see Suarez there, he’s pointing where he wants it.
“It’s not rocket science, he’s right in front of him.
“That’s your man, the number nine of the back of the shirt. Static.
“Virgil van Dijk there, static. That’s criminal in that position.
“He’s got to be [Joel] Matip’s eyes and ears. Move Matip where you want him to maybe stop the ball in the first instance.
“But if not you have got to go with your man there.
“He’ll be disappointed with that I’m sure.”
Former Liverpool and Barcelona forward Luis Garcia was instead full of praise for Alba’s pass and Suarez’s movement.
“This pass is just brilliant,” Garcia said.
“You can expect Suarez to make the move but he kicked the ball just before Suarez made the move.
“Of course Suarez is a perfect centre-forward and knows where he’s got to be and where it’s going to be.”