Chris Sutton, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, criticised Virgil van Dijk’s performance during Liverpool’s 3-1 victory over Burnley in the Premier League.
The 50-year-old from Nottingham expressed severe disappointment with van Dijk’s effort in the 76th minute, describing it as a “tame” attempt at goal.
“Van Dijk should score. An absolute giant in there. It’s a tame header,” the ex Premier League striker stated.
Fortunately for van Dijk, Darwin Nunez stepped up just three minutes later, scoring a header to extend Liverpool’s lead to 3-1. This goal provided a sense of relief for Jurgen Klopp, allowing him to relax a bit in the final ten minutes of the match. Prior to Nunez’s goal, strikes from Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz had given Liverpool a 2-1 lead.
Trent Alexander-Arnold made history by setting up Jota’s goal, becoming the most creative defender in Premier League history with 58 assists, surpassing Andy Robertson, who remains on 57.
Aside from his poor headed chance, the 32-year-old displayed superb form at Anfield on Saturday afternoon. Van Dijk was a dominant presence at the back, winning four aerial duels to effectively neutralise Burnley’s forwards.
Despite Chris Sutton’s critique of his header as “tame,” Van Dijk won’t lose much sleep over it tonight, especially as Liverpool reclaim the top spot in the Premier League.