Virgil van Dijk has escaped the harsh criticism that has surrounded Liverpool's defence this season, with former player Jamie Carragher arguing the Dutch centre‑back is being unfairly targeted. Liverpool have kept only nine Premier League clean sheets, a tally lower than both Crystal Palace and Everton, prompting calls for a defensive overhaul after a 4‑0 FA Cup loss to Manchester City and a 2‑0 Champions League quarter‑final defeat to Paris Saint‑Germain.
Carragher defended Van Dijk, saying, "People have criticised Van Dijk for his performances this season but I think it's been harsh. I think he plays every game, the fella next to him has been awful all season, and poor again [against PSG]." He added that Ibrahima Konaté "makes a mistake every game, so that's not easy to play alongside," and described Van Dijk as "one of Liverpool's better players" despite looking "uncomfortable in a Liverpool shirt" in the back three against PSG.
The French defender is set to leave on a free transfer when his contract expires this summer, while Van Dijk has a season left on the two‑year extension he signed last year. The pair have featured together in 42 matches this campaign.
Liverpool also announced a new hospitality package for the upcoming season, offering seats in the new Anfield Road stand (Block AM5, front rows) and three‑hour access to the Brodies Lounge before matches, together with street food, a complimentary half‑time drink, a matchday programme and a Liverpool legend appearance.
It is surprising that the debate over Liverpool's back line focuses more on Van Dijk's perceived decline than on the systematic errors of his partner, Konaté, who has been described as "making a mistake every game." The Dutchman's reputation shields him, yet the defensive frailties stem largely from the French centre‑back's lapses.
Tactically, the constant turnover of possession and the inability to maintain a cohesive back three have left Liverpool vulnerable against high‑pressing sides, as seen in the 2‑0 loss to PSG where Van Dijk appeared "uncomfortable." With Konaté's contract ending and his form in question, Jurgen Klopp may be forced to either recruit a reliable partner or adjust the system to a back four that reduces reliance on a
