By Virgil van Dijk's astronomical standards, the start to his season must constitute a significant dip in form for Liverpool's defensive leader. Winless after three games, some of the goals conceded by the Reds so far has seen the blame, to varying extents, laid at the door of the No.4.
The concession of a penalty at Fulham was followed up by a failure to properly close down Wilfried Zaha in the 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace before he was reprimanded in no uncertain terms by James Milner after Liverpool conceded for the seventh successive Premier League fixture in the defeat at Manchester United on Monday.
In isolation, each incident is hardly a cause for crisis and there are many who believe the spot-kick awarded for a foul on Aleksandar Mitrovic at Craven Cottage on August 6 was a harsh one. The goal conceded against Palace could also be explained by a counter-attacking side that utilised the lack of pace of defensive partner Nat Phillips in the side's non-negotiable and much discussed high-line.
