Dutch journalist blames Pickford for van Dijk dip in form

A Dutch journalist has laid the blame on Jordan Pickford for the premature demise of Liverpool’s defender Virgil van Dijk.

The 32-year-old played the full 90 minutes in the 2-1 win over Republic of Ireland and had a solid outing, but all that pales in comparison to his performances prior to 2020, which earned him a runners-up spot in the Ballon d’Or in 2019.

The key factor in van Dijk struggles, according to the journalist, dates back to a Merseyside derby in October 2020, when the Reds defender suffered a severe knee injury, cause by Everton goalkeeper Pickford.

Since then, the 32-year-old has been unable to reproduce that form, which established him as the best defender in the world.

Jordan Pickford has reportedly had to hire security to protect him and his family due to receiving death threats after his tackle on Virgil Van Dijk in the Merseyside Derby.

F*cking hell what is wrong with people🤦‍♂️ pic.twitter.com/vlXBeRsjcn

More on this topic:

Van Dijk says Netherlands ‘might have overestimated’ themselves

— Footy Accumulators (@FootyAccums) October 28, 2020

“Pickford’s tackle on Van Dijk during Everton-Liverpool was called a leg breaker by Peter Crouch on live TV.” the journalist said.

“I did not comment on Van Dijk’s play with compassion on Twitter. I maintain that he’s no longer the designated captain of the Dutch national team.”

“But it is certain that Pickford, who did not even receive a card before his attack, is responsible for the demise of Virgil’s career.”