Virgil van Dijk substituted at half time after dismal first half display for Liverpool

Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk has been substituted at half time after a dismal first-half display against Brentford.

Coming into the match, Liverpool have picked up some form after a sluggish start to the 22/23 season.

However, just 19 minutes into the game, Brentford took the lead after a corner was deflected into his own net by defender Ibrahima Konate.

Brentford then doubled their lead through a wonderful back post header from Yoane Wissa.

Liverpool were shellshocked and went into the half time break 2-0 down.

Changes were expected at the start of the second half, but manager Jurgen Klopp surprised many by taking off Van Dijk, who has been a mainstay in the Liverpool back line.

Fans were quick to react to the substitution.

One said: “Wow! Van Dijk off at half time is a huge call by Jurgen Klopp.”

Another tweeted: “Triple change for Liverpool at HT. Including subbing off Virgil van Dijk the best centre back in the world by a county mile.”

A third added: “It’s amusing to see them all shocked that Van Dijk has been subbed off. He’s been awful all season but they’ve conveniently ignored it.”

WISSA HAS MADE IT TWO! 😮

Jurgen Klopp can't believe what he's watching! 👀 pic.twitter.com/sNfjgCNrxi

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 2, 2023

Someone else wrote: “Van Dijk has generally been really average all season long, especially by his incredible standards. Today was a new low. No shock he’s been taken off.”

Whilst it has not been confirmed whether the Netherlands captain has suffered an injury or not, it is still a huge decision made by Klopp to take off one of his most important players.

According to Sky Sports' commentary, Van Dijk was seen with taping on his right leg when he returned to sit alongside his teammates on the bench during the second half.

Liverpool got themselves back in the match after Alex Oxlade Chamberlain netted in the 50th minute to make it 2-1.