Virgil van Dijk savaged by ex-Liverpool star amid crisis - 'He gets away with murder' - The Mirror

Liverpool are in crisis mode with their title defence already all but over and Mohamed Salah's future now uncertain but captain Virgil van Dijk has been targeted by Glen Johnson

13:25, 09 Dec 2025Updated 13:28, 09 Dec 2025

Liverpool talisman Virgil Van Dijk has been told he "gets away with murder". The Premier League champions have gone into full-blown meltdown following a shambolic season, and Mo Salah's recent attack on the club and manager Arne Slot.

β€Œ

Liverpool's title defence is in tatters, while Salah is not expected to pull on the famous shirt again. Salah believes he's become the scapegoat for his team's shambolic results. While the likes of Ibrahima Konate, Milos Kerkez and Alexander Isak have also been singled out for fierce criticism, as the inquest into the collapse of Slot's men continues.

β€Œ

But former Liverpool star Glen Johnson believes Van Dijk is as much to blame as anyone else for the team's recent failings. And Johnson reckons Van Dijk escapes the flak because of his standing at the club.

β€Œ

READ MORE: Transfer news LIVE: Salah's Liverpool future as Slot speaks, Guehi twist, Man Utd and Arsenal latestREAD MORE: Jamie Carragher shuts down Mo Salah 'unnecessary jibes' claim as Liverpool rant explained

The former England full back told BetWright online casino UK : "Virgil van Dijk has been at fault just as much as Ibrahima Konate recently, if not more.

"Because his name is Van Dijk, he gets away with murder. I still think he's a world class player and has been for a long time, but at the minute, he's been nowhere near his best level - and neither have the players around him.

β€Œ

"I think Konate has been thrown under the bus a little bit, which is understandable because he’s made a few mistakes recently. But so has everybody. The entire Liverpool back line keeps making errors - and Van Dijk is no exception."

Johnson has called on Liverpool to sign England and Crystal Palace centre back Marc Guehi. He added: "Liverpool need a new centre-back in January. The first player that comes to mind is Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace.

"Whether he can join a club like Liverpool and kick on is a question, but I think he needs to be given that chance to prove himself at the top level, like he's done for England.

"I think he would be a great signing for Liverpool. They definitely need to get in some players in January."

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.

Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

Content Image

Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members Β£192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.

Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.

β€Œ