Chris Sutton has dismissed claims that Virgil van Dijk is now ‘too old’ to play for Liverpool after their most-recent defeat to Leeds United, as he told BBC Radio 5 Live 606.
It was suggested to the former striker by a Liverpool fan that Van Dijk, who turned 31 in July, is ‘too old’ to play under Jurgen Klopp, but he made it clear that it’s just a case of the Dutchman not getting back to his best since returning from his long-term injury.
Over the weekend, Van Dijk saw his record-breaking unbeaten Premier League run at Anfield ended by 21-year-old Crysencio Summerville of Leeds United.
That incredible run lasted 70 games, of course in between, he also suffered a long-term injury, before returning last season.
But that record being smashed to pieces shouldn’t be too much of a surprise because the Reds have been out-of-sorts all season long.
Nonetheless, this was Chris Sutton’s reaction when he was told that Van Dijk is possibly ‘too old’ to play for Liverpool following their defeat to Leeds.
“Too old?” said Sutton. “Really? Come on!? Van Dijk too old? Wow! I don’t think so. I don’t think he’s too old.
“I think the injury situation, he hasn’t quite got back to his best. But he’s not that old.”
THE NAPOLI TEST
Before a ball was kicked this term, not many expected Liverpool and Napoli to have such contrasting fortunes.
Whilst those on Merseyside are worrying about if they will secure Champions League football for next term, Napoli are unbeaten and sitting top of the Serie A table.
They smashed Liverpool to pieces in Naples during the reverse fixture – Klopp described it as his side’s worst-ever performance under his stewardship.
So, this Anfield test tomorrow night is going to be one of the biggest ones yet for this faltering Liverpool side because Napoli’s attack, led by the thriving star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, is one of the most dangerous in Europe.
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