A Shadow of His Imperious Self - Van Dijk Grapples With Waning Influence
The glaring spotlight that has centered around one world-class Liverpool icon switched to another on Anfield's most recent frustrating night.
Mohamed Salah has come under fire for his subpar performances this season - and was relegated to the bench for the second successive Premier League game as Sunderland arrived on Wednesday.
But it was leader Virgil van Dijk, a unmatched defensive bedrock as Liverpool have collected the complete set of top honors, whose struggles took center stage during the draw.
The Experienced Pair and Contract Extensions
Van Dijk, 34, and Salah, 33, both agreed to high-value two-year deals in the summer, with not one Liverpool eyebrow raised at the notion of offering extensions to a seasoned pair much closer to the end of their careers than the start.
Truly, it was a reason for joy - but now there is no escaping the stark fact that levels have fallen alarmingly for both.
Backline Issues and A Costly Refit
Liverpool have been vulnerable in defence ever since manager Arne Slot and the club's transfer committee undertook a £450m summer refit that has not yet shown anything like value for money.
At the same time, Van Dijk has started to forfeit the air of invincibility he has held since his £75m switch from Southampton in January 2018.
Van Dijk has not been helped by defensive partner Ibrahima Konate's loss of form, along with Milos Kerkez not finding his feet at left-back. But the renowned star has also struggled badly, as proved by his desperate handball that gave away a penalty in the heavy Champions League loss to PSV Eindhoven at Anfield.
A Sequence That Summed Up The Struggle
It was exemplified in the 67th minute on Wednesday when Chemsdine Talbi gave Sunderland a merited lead, Van Dijk giving the ball away before retreating and turning his back on a 25-yard shot that hit him and drifted out of the reach of goalkeeper Alisson.
For a defender of such unquestionable quality, Van Dijk has an unusual habit of turning away on the ball, sometimes to Liverpool's cost.
Ill fortune at the end, yes, but it was a situation Van Dijk courted with his atypical failure to act decisively, Sunderland's Talbi taking advantage.
"Van Dijk gives the ball away and then he just backs off. It's the wrong decision. He needs to go to the ball. Him not making the decision means that no one else knows what to do."
"Virgil Van Dijk last season was impeccable. Every game he was dominant, but right now he's making mistakes and doubting himself."
The Numbers and A Lack of Command
As with Salah, a player of Van Dijk's caliber must not be discarded after winning two Premier Leagues, the Champions League, the FA Cup and two EFL Cups in a stellar Liverpool career.
He has, though, looked a shadow of his usual commanding presence this season, with the lowest recovery numbers per game during his Liverpool career, while defensive actions are also down on last season.
And, while leadership should not be Van Dijk's exclusive domain alone in a Liverpool team full of experience, it was lacking here. No-one was inspiring a team that once again looked lost to seize the initiative by the scruff of the neck.
Van Dijk's poor display, which ended with him being used as the emergency option of acting as an emergency striker, was representative of a distinctly poor Liverpool performance - which made Sunday's win at West Ham seem like the outlier rather than the rule.
A Side Lacking Inspiration
Slot persisted with the side that ended a run of nine losses in 12 games at London Stadium, Salah once more observing from the sidelines.
The Egyptian came on at the start of the second half as the Kop pinned hopes on him for inspiration. It was not forthcoming, with £125m Alexander Isak also anonymous after scoring his first with his first league goal for Liverpool on Sunday.
Slot would have been under increased scrutiny had Florian Wirtz's 81st-minute shot not deflected in off Nordi Mukiele to set up what Liverpool hoped would be a thrilling finale.
Late drama came - but at the other end. Liverpool were only saved from humiliation in stoppage time when Federico Chiesa's superb tracking back allowed him to turn Sunderland substitute Wilson Isidor's shot off the line after he had dribbled past keeper Alisson.
Credit Due and The Road Forward
Slot and his underperforming defending champions ultimately had to settle for a draw knowing it could have been worse, with Alisson blessed to turn Trai Hume's shot onto the bar in the first half before Omar Alderete headed against the post after the interval.
Liverpool were lethargic, unimaginative and devoid of creativity. Even the customary late surge after the equaliser carried minimal threat. Showings like this are the reason their attempt to retain the title has collapsed.
But huge credit for the Reds' struggles on Wednesday must be given to Sunderland, who are being reaping the benefits for a summer of clear intent in the transfer market, coupled with the excellent coaching of Regis le Bris.
The Black Cats were proactive, self-believing and threatening.
Sunderland are now sixth in the Premier League with 23 points. It is symptomatic of the manner in which they have embraced life in the Premier League that they will be frustrated they left Anfield without adding two more to their tally.
For Slot and Liverpool, it is a case of going back to basics.
