Few people at Liverpool have a reason to thank Mohamed Salah this season. But there is one person who should really do that - Virgil van Dijk.
Indeed, no one at Anfield is more grateful to Salah than the club's captain. Because the Egyptian striker has unintentionally become a vital shield, protecting the Dutch star in this disappointing journey to defend the title.
Salah has been criticised more than anyone in Arne Slot's sluggish squad. back-to-back failures and a series of questions arising about why things could have gone so badly after a Premier League title and a summer of heavy spending. He deserved those criticisms, as Salah's performances since the start of the season showed clear indifference and disappointment.
However, Salah's difficulties should not overshadow an undeniable fact: Van Dijk is equally disappointing.
The Dutch centre-back is still highly regarded at Anfield. He is the captain, the symbol, the representative voice of the team. When many people choose to avoid him, Van Dijk always faces the media after each failure. He still plays that role, but only on the pitch.
But the most important thing Slot needs to do right now is for Van Dijk to show his worth on the pitch, not just in his post-match statements. He needs his captain to regain his voice in the defense, start questioning his teammates at the right time and more strongly, and at the same time stand up to face adversity instead of just talking about it.
Perhaps the respect for Van Dijk has become too great. But the truth is that his superior class is clearly declining, while the criticism is gradually disappearing.
Liverpool's defense is built around Van Dijk's leadership role. However, they have conceded 35 goals in 22 games this season, including 11 in just their last five games. The Kop have only kept a clean sheet in 5 matches. And it is time for Van Dijk to take responsibility.
In fact, they still have a lot of work to do. Liverpool have not had a reliable right-back since Trent Alexander-Arnold left. On the left wing, Milos Kerkez - a £40 million signing from Bournemouth - looks still lost, while centre-back Ibrahima Konate is in decline in form.
The most obvious explanation is that Van Dijk may be being pulled down by those around him. But with his inherent experience and class, he still deserves more expectations. The Dutch centre-back made a mistake that led to a goal against Sunderland in midweek, but still escaped criticism.
Slot will need Van Dijk to play at his best and most powerful form when Liverpool travel to Leeds this weekend. Elland Road is not a place for the weak and Chelsea are the team that understands that best. There will be no place for evasion, and Van Dijk must be the one to set an example for the whole team.
