Virgil van Dijk rages at Liverpool ref vs Tottenham, Gary Neville reacts
Today at 01:35 PM
Virgil van Dijk was “not happy at all” with referee Sam Barrott after Liverpool conceded to James Maddison but there was no issue with the goal, according to Gary Neville.
The Tottenham midfielder briefly dragged his side back into the game in the first half when he scored in the 41st minute to make the score 2-1, in a game that eventually finished 6-3.
The England international curled a long-range effort into the net after dispossessing Alexis Mac Allister on the edge of the box. The Reds captain trailed the referee screaming to be heard as he argued for a foul on the Argentine, but was ignored.
Neville commented during the match for Sky Sports (5:11 pm):”They’re asking for a foul, Van Dijk’s not happy at all. Mac Allister’s on the ground, he wants a free kick. He isn’t going to get one, I don’t think.
“Those Spurs fans behind the goal almost semi-celebrated it. Mac Allister gets himself in a tangle. There’s nothing in that at all. Maddison just profits from it.
“That pass from Alexander-Arnold into Mac Allister, it’s one that he has to handle with difficulty, and Maddison just uses the two Liverpool defenders to set it out around Alisson”.
Liverpool continue to concede after injuries
Football Insider opinion
Arne Slot's side have managed just one clean sheet in the Premier League during December. This coincides with Ibrahima Konate's absence due to injury.
The French defender was active on social media before the game but has left a noticeable void in Liverpool's backline. His dominant presence alongside captain Van Dijk could have potentially prevented situations like Maddison's goal.
The defence has been reshuffled with Joe Gomez or Jarell Quansah stepping in, but neither has matched his impact.
Van Dijk, however, has remained a rock for Slot's team, and there's optimism within the club that he will commit to a new contract.
His current deal expires in 2025, meaning he could begin negotiations with other clubs as early as January. Yet the hierarchy remains confident that an agreement will be reached.
The Dutchman's influence goes beyond defensive ability – his leadership and authority on and off the pitch make him irreplaceable.
Retaining him is vital for the team's stability. As is securing long-term commitments from key players like Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah.
The attacking play from Liverpool blew away Ange Postecoglou’s infamously cavalier side as they extended their lead the top of the table, rendering Van Dijk’s upset over the Maddison goal immaterial.
In other news, Liverpool are laying the groundwork to sign a Premier League striker.
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