One Liverpool star has a lot to thank Mo Salah for this season: Virgil van Dijk

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Few of those involved at Liverpool have much to thank Mohamed Salah for this season. But one man does: Virgil van Dijk.

In truth, there should be no-one at Anfield more grateful to Salah than the club captain. Because the Kop's Egyptian king has proved to be a human shield for the Dutchman during this disastrous title defence.

Salah has had more criticism than anyone in Arne Slot's imploding team, as the defeats have racked up and the questions have been asked of how things are going so badly wrong after last season's triumph and a big-spending summer. Salah is deserving of the flak he's getting too, because he has looked largely disinterested and disillusioned since the start of the campaign.

But what Salah's struggles shouldn't distract from is the inescapable fact that Van Dijk has been just as woeful.

There is an enormous amount of respect for Van Dijk at Anfield. He is the captain, talisman and de-facto spokesman. Where others shy away, he fronts up and faces the inquests after each defeat. He does it every time.

But what Slot could do with more than anything else is for Van Dijk to do his talking on the pitch - not just off it. He needs his skipper to find his defensive voice again, to start asking the tough questions of his team-mates, while also standing up in the face of adversity.

Perhaps there is too much respect for Van Dijk. But his exceptional standards have slipped, and those singling him out have also slipped into the shadows.

Liverpool's defence revolves around the leadership of Van Dijk. But it is one which has conceded 35 goals in 22 games this season, including 11 in the last five matches. Liverpool have kept just five clean sheets. And the time has come for Van Dijk to take some responsibility.

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In truth, Van Dijk has a lot on his plate. Liverpool don't have a recognised right back that you can hang your hat on after Trent Alexander-Arnold's exit, left back Milos Kerkez may have cost £40m from Bournemouth but simply looks out of his depth, and fellow centre back Ibrahima Konate is out of form.

The simple explanation is that Van Dijk might be getting dragged down by those around him. But his experience and ability mean he should be above this. He was at fault for Sunderland's goal in midweek, but remains largely immune from those pointing fingers of blame.

Slot will need Van Dijk to be at his strongest and most commanding when Liverpool travel to Leeds this weekend. Elland Road is not for the faint-hearted. Just ask World Club Cup champions Chelsea! There will be nowhere to hide - and Van Dijk must set the example for others to follow.

He owes Slot a vintage performance.

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