AC Milan and Chelsea legend Ruud Gullit has expressed concern over Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, suggesting the Dutch defender is not performing at his usual level.

Earlier this month, Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney claimed that Van Dijk has not “really led that team this season,” as Liverpool’s form has dipped in recent weeks. Van Dijk responded to Rooney’s remarks, calling them “lazy criticism,” and pointed out that Rooney remained silent when Liverpool lifted the Premier League title last season under Arne Slot.

Despite being one of the most respected defenders in the world, Van Dijk himself has admitted he has not been at his peak this season. Liverpool’s defensive struggles have been evident, with the team conceding 14 goals in the league — compared to just three by leaders Arsenal, highlighting a stark contrast.

In an exclusive interview with Tribal Football, Gullit commented on Van Dijk’s current form, describing the defender as a “shadow of his former self.”

“I think after his injury, he had some difficult spells. He recovered a lot better from it last year. But since that injury, he seems reluctant to tackle or get into contact with opponents,” Gullit said.

“The opposition has also figured out how to play against him. Now he has to find a way to reinvent himself. You need to, because I remember when I had an injury and was out for six months — when I came back, I wasn’t the same. I needed to adjust.”

Van Dijk looked more assured during Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Aston Villa at the weekend, keeping a clean sheet. The Reds currently sit third in the Premier League, behind Arsenal and Manchester City, whom they face this Sunday.

Before that, Van Dijk will lead Liverpool against Real Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday, offering him the chance to silence critics and help the team climb above the likes of Barcelona and Newcastle United in Europe.