A Shadow of His Imperious Self - Van Dijk Fights Decline

The glaring focus that has been trained on one global Liverpool legend switched to another on Anfield's fresh frustrating night.

The Egyptian forward has faced examination for his struggles this season - and was relegated to the substitutes' bench for the second straight Premier League game as Sunderland arrived on Wednesday.

But it was leader Virgil van Dijk, a exceptional defensive bedrock as Liverpool have secured the array of major trophies, whose poor form came under the microscope during the 1-1 draw.

The Seasoned Stars and Renewed Terms

Van Dijk, 34, and Salah, 33, both agreed to high-value two-year deals in the summer, with scarcely a Liverpool concern voiced at the idea of handing contracts to a veteran duo much approaching the end of their careers than the start.

In fact, it was a reason for joy - but now there is no avoiding the harsh truth that standards have dropped concerningly for both.

A Leaky Defense and A Costly Refit

Liverpool have been susceptible in defence ever since manager Arne Slot and the club's transfer committee embarked on a £450m summer rebuild that has yet to prove anything like a good return.

At the same time, Van Dijk has started to shed the aura of invulnerability he has carried since his £75m transfer from Southampton in January 2018.

Van Dijk has received little support by center-back colleague Ibrahima Konate's dramatic dip, along with Milos Kerkez struggling to adapt at left-back. But the great Dutchman has also fought his own battles, as highlighted by his rash handball that gave away a penalty in the heavyweight Champions League loss to PSV Eindhoven at Anfield.

A Sequence That Summed Up The Issue

It was exemplified in the 67th minute on Wednesday when Chemsdine Talbi gave Sunderland a well-earned lead, Van Dijk surrendering the ball before retreating and averting his body on a 25-yard shot that deflected off him and floated out of the reach of goalkeeper Alisson.

For a defender of such unquestionable quality, Van Dijk has an unusual habit of turning away on the ball, sometimes to Liverpool's disadvantage.

Bad luck at the finale, yes, but it was a situation Van Dijk provoked with his uncharacteristic failure to make a decisive move, Sunderland's Talbi taking advantage.

"Van Dijk loses the ball and then he just drops off. It's the wrong decision. He needs to go to the ball. Him not making the decision means that no one else knows what to do."

"Virgil Van Dijk last season was impeccable. Every game he was commanding, but right now he's slipping up and doubting himself."

Performance Metrics and A Leadership Void

As with Salah, a player of Van Dijk's caliber must not be written off after claiming two Premier Leagues, the Champions League, the FA Cup and two EFL Cups in a stellar Liverpool career.

He has, though, looked a pale imitation of his usual imperious self this season, with the worst recoveries per game during his Liverpool career, while key defensive stats are also down on last season.

And, while leadership should not be Van Dijk's sole responsibility alone in a Liverpool team full of experience, it was missing here. No-one was rousing a team that once again looked bewildered to seize the initiative by the throat.

Van Dijk's difficult night, which ended with him being used as the last resort of acting as an last-ditch attacker, was indicative of a deeply underwhelming Liverpool performance - which made Sunday's win at West Ham seem like the anomaly rather than the rule.

A Team Lacking Spark

Slot stayed with the side that halted a run of nine losses in 12 games at London Stadium, Salah once more watching from the sidelines.

The Egyptian was introduced at the start of the second half as the Kop looked to him for inspiration. It was not forthcoming, with £125m Alexander Isak also anonymous after opening his account with his first league goal for Liverpool on Sunday.

Slot would have been under greater pressure had Florian Wirtz's 81st-minute shot not taken a deflection off Nordi Mukiele to set up what Liverpool hoped would be a grandstand finish.

Late drama came - but at the other end. Liverpool were only spared embarrassment in stoppage time when Federico Chiesa's superb tracking back allowed him to turn Sunderland substitute Wilson Isidor's shot off the line after he had rounded keeper Alisson.

Credit Due and The Road Forward

Slot and his struggling title-holders ultimately had to accept the point knowing it could have been worse, with Alisson fortunate to turn Trai Hume's shot onto the bar in the first half before Omar Alderete headed against the post after the interval.

Liverpool were slow, labored and devoid of creativity. Even the customary late surge after the equaliser carried little conviction. Showings like this are the reason their defense of their crown has collapsed.

But full acknowledgment for the Reds' struggles on Wednesday must be given to Sunderland, who are being reaping the benefits for a summer of clear intent in the transfer market, coupled with the excellent coaching of Regis le Bris.

The Black Cats were positive, assured and dangerous.

Sunderland are now sixth in the Premier League with 23 points. It is symptomatic of the manner in which they have grown into life in the Premier League that they will be frustrated they left Anfield without adding two more to their tally.

For Slot and Liverpool, it is time for reflection.