Liverpool have had a very difficult few weeks, and their poor form continued at the weekend with a defeat at Brentford. It is now four Premier League losses in a row for Arne Slot’s side, who have slipped to 7th in the standings.

Much has been made of the struggles that new signings Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz have had, but some of their players that were at such a high level last season have failed to replicate that form – and among them is captain Virgil van Dijk.

Alan Shearer and Micah Richards on Virgil van Dijk struggles

Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Speaking on The Rest Is Football (via TBR Football), Alan Shearer took aim at van Dijk, as well as centre-back partner Ibrahima Konate, for their performances against Brentford.

“They are so bad all over the pitch. And I mean, say what you want about them in midfield – the lack of protection – or up front, the lack of connection between their signings. But defensively, oh my word.

“I mean, Van Dijk and Konate. The two fullbacks have had a lot of stick and a lot of criticism, and I understand that, and I get that....