Danny Murphy states Liverpool defender is "playing within himself"

Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy has stated Virgil Van Dijk is ‘playing within himself’ so far this season.

The Reds have experienced a difficult start to the new campaign, having attained just nine points from their opening six Premier League matches. 

Saturday’s goalless draw with Everton was another setback for Jurgen Klopp’s side, and they remain six points behind leaders Arsenal.

Many have questioned the performances of Van Dijk, who has been lauded as one of the best centre-backs in the world in recent years, but some feel his form has dipped since returning from a lengthy injury.

The Dutchman suffered a lengthy ACL injury back in October 2020, and only returned at the start of the 2021/22 season, where he went on to make 51 appearances across all competitions. 

Despite the defender producing an excellent season which led Liverpool to within two games of becoming the first English side to win the quadruple, Murphy feels Van Dijk is still feeling the effects of that injury.

Speaking on talkSPORT, the former Fulham man said: “He’s not up to his level. Before his injury he was arguably looking like one of the best centre-halves we’ve ever seen.

“The injury, which is a huge one and he’s come back from, although he’s not had problems missing games I think psychologically he’s not in the same place.

“What I mean by that is not wanting to be as physically engaged with players and tackles, although he had the studs one at the weekend."

"He’s playing within himself a little bit without knowing it. I’ve played with players who have had ACL injuries before and when they come back you can see them doing it."

“We are talking about someone who has set ridiculously high standards and even when he’s dropping below them at the moment he’s still brilliant compared to a lot of other centre-halves.”

Although Van Dijk may not yet have reached the heights he’s capable of this season, his performances last campaign were worthy of a place in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year. 

The 31-year-old will have an opportunity to prove some of these doubters wrong as the Reds begin their Champions League campaign tonight against Napoli.