Not Just Talbi’s Strike: Another Virgil van Dijk Moment Left Steve Nicol Fuming Last Night 😳🔥

Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Sunderland has sparked a wave of criticism, and this time the spotlight is firmly on Virgil van Dijk. Former Reds defender Steve Nicol didn’t hold back after picking apart two key moments involving the Liverpool captain.

Sunderland’s opener came midway through the second half courtesy of Chemsdine Talbi, but Nicol insisted the real issue was Van Dijk’s decision-making before and during the shot. The centre-back’s loose pass put Liverpool in trouble, and replays showed him turning away as Talbi pulled the trigger — something Jamie Carragher also pointed out in commentary.

But that wasn’t the only moment the ex-Reds star highlighted…

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Nicol: “He Didn’t Lead, He Didn’t Organise, He Didn’t Set the Example” 😬

Speaking on ESPN FC after the match, Nicol said Van Dijk should have handled both the goal and the chaotic stoppage-time sequence far better.

> “He sees Talbi about to shoot and instead of stepping in, he turns sideways,” Nicol said. “You’re supposed to make yourself big, get in front of the ball — he did none of it.”

He then went on to criticise the captain for Liverpool’s late defensive collapse, when Wilson Isidor nearly stole all three points after being left completely unmarked on the break.

> “If you’re pushing for a winner, fine — but the captain must ensure the back line is secure first,” Nicol added. “He just wandered forward without checking behind. That’s not leadership.”

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A Chaotic Finish That Exposed Liverpool’s Shape 🟥⚠️

Van Dijk had pushed into the Sunderland penalty area for a late corner, which is understandable given his history of dramatic late goals. But even after Sunderland cleared their lines twice, he didn’t recover his position quickly enough.

Federico Chiesa — a forward — was the only one alert to the danger, racing back to produce a match-saving block as Isidor sprinted through with a clear path to goal. Nicol believes Van Dijk should have been the one organising the defensive cover, not watching from the opposite end.

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A Night to Forget… But Not a Total Disaster 🤷‍♂️

Despite those costly moments, Van Dijk still won several aerial duels and contributed in patches. But questions will be asked during the review at the AXA Training Centre — particularly about the decision not to drop deeper once the initial corner was cleared.

With a tough trip to Leeds United coming up on Saturday, Liverpool will be hoping their skipper responds with the kind of commanding display he’s known for.