Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Jake Polden

Rio Ferdinand slams Virgil van Dijk for what he failed to do before Luis Suarez goal

Rio Ferdinand has slammed Virgil van Dijk's "static" defending that lead to Barcelona taking the lead against Liverpool .

Former Reds striker Luis Suarez opened the scoring for the Catalan giants in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final.

He found space in front of the PFA Player of the Year to toe-poke home, and Manchester United legend Ferdinand - who called the Holland international the best centre-back on the planet ahead of the game - thinks Van Dijk should have done better.

"Virgil van Dijk here, he is at fault," said Ferdinand on BT Sport.

Rio Ferdinand has slammed Virgil van Dijk's "static" defending (BT Sport)

Liverpool fans livid with Luis Suarez for celebrating goal for Barcelona

"He can see Suarez there, he is pointing where he wants it. It's not rocket scienes. It's right in front of him.

"That's your man, the number nine on the back of his shirt, static. Virgil van Dijk there, static. And that's criminal in that position.

Luis Suarez opened the scoring for Barcelona (REUTERS)

Liverpool dealt Naby Keita injury blow in Champions League clash vs Barcelona

"He has got to be Matip's eyes and ears. Move Matip to where you want to maybe stop the ball in the first instance but if not, you have to go with your man there.

"And he will be disappointed with that I am sure."

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.