Anfield, a stadium synonymous with triumphs, recently became the stage for a shift in scrutiny, moving from one world-class Liverpool legend to another during a disappointing 1-1 draw against Sunderland. Mohamed Salah, long under intense examination for his perceived poor form this season, was on the substitutes' bench for the second consecutive Premier League match. Yet, the spotlight quickly pivoted to captain Virgil van Dijk, whose previously peerless defensive prowess, a cornerstone of Liverpool's success in collecting major trophies, has visibly deteriorated.

Both Van Dijk, 34, and Salah, 33, signed lucrative new two-year contracts during the summer, a decision initially met with widespread approval and celebration among fans and club officials alike. At the time, extending deals for these veteran players, despite being closer to the twilight of their careers, was largely unquestioned. However, the current reality paints a stark picture: the performance standards for both key players have alarmingly declined.

Liverpool's defensive integrity has been compromised ever since head coach Arne Slot, in collaboration with the club's recruitment team, initiated a substantial £450 million summer refit. This significant investment has, to date, failed to deliver the expected value for money, leaving the team vulnerable at the back. Concurrently, Virgil van Dijk, who had maintained an aura of invincibility since his £75 million transfer from Southampton in January 2018, appears to have lost that crucial edge, making him a central figure in the team's recent struggles.