It was the basics! - Van Dijk criticizes Liverpool team-mates after Crystal Palace defeat
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk expresses frustration over team's performance in loss to Crystal Palace but praises Alisson as the 'best goalkeeper in the world'.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk slammed his team-mates after a frustrating loss to Crystal Palace but the Dutchman thanked Alisson for keeping the score down, while hailing the Brazilian as the "best goalkeeper in the world". Liverpool suffered their first defeat across all competitions in the 2025-26 campaign as Eddie Nketiah's late winner helped Palace secure a crucial win.
Liverpool's First Defeat of the Season
Liverpool's unbeaten streak came to an end with a disappointing loss to Crystal Palace. The defeat was a setback for the team as they had been performing well in the 2025-26 campaign.
Van Dijk Calls Out Team-mates
Van Dijk did not hold back in his criticism of his Liverpool team-mates, pointing out shortcomings in their performance during the match against Crystal Palace. The Dutchman emphasized the need for the team to focus on the basics and improve their overall gameplay.
Acknowledging Alisson's Brilliance
Despite the defeat, Van Dijk took a moment to appreciate the efforts of goalkeeper Alisson, whom he hailed as the 'best goalkeeper in the world'. Alisson's exceptional skills were highlighted as he managed to keep the score down against Crystal Palace, preventing further goals.
Looking Ahead
As Liverpool regroups following the loss, Van Dijk's leadership will be crucial in motivating the team to bounce back stronger. The focus will now be on learning from the defeat and working together to improve their performance in the upcoming matches.