There’s been a lot of criticism aimed at Virgil van Dijk recently, but the reality is far more simple — and far more concerning for Liverpool FC.
Of course he’s slowing down.
He’s nearly 35.
That’s natural. That happens to every player, no matter how good they are.
Playing Too Much, Too Often
The bigger issue isn’t Van Dijk’s level — it’s how much he’s being asked to do.
By most counts, he’s started around 41 games this season, which is an enormous workload for a player at his age, especially in such a physically demanding position.
At most top clubs, that simply wouldn’t happen.
Elite teams manage their senior players carefully:
Rotation Squad depth Protection in less important games Managing minutes
Liverpool haven’t been able to do that.
No Cover, No Rotation
The real problem is simple — Liverpool don’t have enough reliable depth at centre-back.
Because of that:
Van Dijk plays almost every game There is no real rotation Fatigue builds up Mistakes become more likely Performances dip
And then the same fans who rely on him week after week start questioning his level.
It’s not just unfair — it’s predictable.
Make Do FC Again?
This is where frustration with the club’s recruitment comes in.
Too often, Liverpool seem to operate in a “make do” way:
Not enough depth Relying on key players Pushing players beyond their limits Not refreshing the squad quickly enough
At centre-back, this has been obvious for a while.
Even The Best Need Protection
Van Dijk has been one of the best defenders in the world for years. But no player — especially at his age — can maintain top level performances without proper support and rotation.
If anything, Liverpool should be:
Managing his minutes Bringing in competition Preparing for the future Protecting him physically
Instead, he’s being asked to carry the defensive load game after game.
The Bigger Picture
This isn’t just about one player.
It’s about squad building, planning and depth.
Liverpool’s defensive issues this season are not just about form — they are about structure, recruitment and balance.
And until that is addressed, the same problems will keep appearing.
Because writing off Virgil van Dijk is easy.
Fixing the real problem is much harder.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
The Kopite View 
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