Liverpool have been told they should consider selling Virgil van Dijk after the Dutch defender spent a forgettable night against Real Madrid this week.
Liverpool were humiliated 5-2 by Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie at Anfield on Tuesday, despite taking a 2-0 lead.
After Mohamed Salah followed up Darwin Nunez's superb opener by eliminating a rare Thibaut Courtois error, the defending European champions exploded with goals from Vinicius Junior, Eder Militao and Karim Benzema.
While a terrible mistake by Alisson and a bit of luck certainly helped the visitors to score five goals, Van Dijk was not entirely covered in glory.
Van Dijk and team-mate at centre-back Joe Gomez had a hot evening as Liverpool's backline looked out of sync and lacked confidence. Speaking to The Times, former Chelsea striker Tony Cascarino said it may be time for Liverpool to bid farewell to their talented defender.
"Gomez played Rodrygo next to him and then unfortunately with a deflection, but Virgil van Dijk shouldn't escape criticism," he said.
“As a senior centre-back, he should recognize his teammates are struggling and make sure that the backline is stable. However, the Dutch player often raised his eyebrows or stared at the ground.
"That body language reminds me of Van Dijk's last season at Southampton, when he was trying to move to Anfield. "Five years later, I think maybe it's time for Liverpool to consider selling him. Van Dijk, one of the best players in the world, is gone.
To be fair to Van Dijk, a number of factors beyond his control have contributed to his poor form this season. The hamstring injury that has sidelined him for the last 6 games will certainly make him a bit down, while it is not easy for a defender to perform well when the midfield in front of him lacks legs and quality.
Whatever the root cause of Liverpool and Van Dijk's troubles this season, the reality is that Jurgen Klopp's men will have to overcome a three-goal defeat at the Bernabeu next month if they are to reach the quarter-finals.
Liverpool are 19 points above leaders Arsenal and have been eliminated from the FA Cup and Carabao Cup.
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