L’Equipe delivers scathing assessment of Virgil van Dijk after Liverpool’s tactical collapse against Paris Saint-Germain

Virgil van Dijk faces harsh criticism and a brutal rating from L'Equipe as Liverpool's tactical shift fails in Champions League loss to PSG.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 9, 2026, 8:38 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Football365

French Media Condemns Captains Performance

The influential French sports daily L’Equipe has issued a stinging critique of Virgil van Dijk’s performance during Liverpool’s recent Champions League exit at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain. In a match where goals from Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia secured a dominant 2-0 victory for the Parisian side, Van Dijk was singled out as a primary culprit for the Reds' failure. The publication awarded the Dutch international a meager 3/10 rating, placing him among the worst performers on the pitch alongside teammates Ryan Gravenberch and Milos Kerkez. The assessment reflects a night where the veteran defender appeared uncharacteristically vulnerable, failing to provide the stability that has long been his hallmark at the heart of the Liverpool defense.

Tactical Experiment Ends in Failure

Arne Slot’s decision to implement a three-man central defense backfired spectacularly, marking the first time Liverpool had utilized a back five in elite competition since late 2017. This experimental system left the backline exposed rather than protected, forcing the 34 year old Van Dijk into high-intensity physical duels he was unable to win. According to Jamie Carragher, the tactical setup was flawed from the outset, requiring the three center-backs to cover the entire width of the pitch in a man-to-man marking scheme. This approach stripped Van Dijk of the positional protection usually afforded by a central role, leaving him appearing more uncomfortable than at any other point in his Liverpool career.

Internal Friction and On Field Criticism

Beyond his physical struggles, Van Dijk has come under fire for his vocal leadership style and public reprimands of his teammates. Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson criticized the captain’s decision to berate Joe Gomez during the match, suggesting the interaction was unnecessary and counterproductive. Robinson noted that Van Dijk’s tendency to criticize others, specifically when tactical movements like overlapping runs are missed, creates avoidable tension within the squad. This perceived friction adds another layer of complexity to a season already marred by poor results and suggests that the leadership dynamics within the dressing room may be under significant strain as the club's European campaign falters.