A Shadow of His Commanding Persona - Van Dijk Battles Waning Influence

The glaring attention that has fallen upon one elite Liverpool great shifted to another on Anfield's fresh disappointing night.

Mohamed Salah has come under fire for his struggles this season - and was consigned to the sidelines for the consecutive Premier League game as the Black Cats arrived on Wednesday.

But it was captain Virgil van Dijk, a unmatched defensive rock as Liverpool have secured the full collection of major prizes, whose struggles came under the microscope during the draw.

The Seasoned Stars and Contract Extensions

Van Dijk, 34, and Salah, 33, both inked lucrative new two-year deals in the summer, with barely a Liverpool eyebrow raised at the idea of offering extensions to a veteran duo much approaching the end of their careers than the start.

Truly, it was a cause of celebration - but now there is no escaping the brutal reality that performance has dipped alarmingly for both.

Defensive Vulnerabilities and Summer Spending

Liverpool have been susceptible in defence ever since boss Arne Slot and the club's transfer committee embarked on a £450m summer overhaul that has still to demonstrate anything like value for money.

Simultaneously, Van Dijk has started to shed the air of invincibility he has held since his £75m move from Southampton in January 2018.

Van Dijk has received little support by defensive partner Ibrahima Konate's dramatic dip, along with Milos Kerkez failing to settle at left-back. But the renowned star has also had significant difficulties, as highlighted by his rash handball that resulted in a penalty in the significant Champions League loss to PSV Eindhoven at Anfield.

An Incident That Encapsulated The Struggle

It was captured in the 67th minute on Wednesday when Chemsdine Talbi gave Sunderland a well-earned lead, Van Dijk giving the ball away before retreating and turning his back on a 25-yard shot that deflected off him and drifted out of the reach of goalkeeper Alisson.

For a defender of such unquestionable quality, Van Dijk has an curious trait of turning his back on the ball, sometimes to Liverpool's detriment.

Misfortune at the finale, yes, but it was a situation Van Dijk invited with his uncharacteristic failure to make a decisive move, Sunderland's Talbi seizing the moment.

"Van Dijk loses the ball and then he just backs off. It's the mistake. He needs to go to the ball. Him not making the decision means that no one else knows what to do."

"Virgil Van Dijk last season was faultless. Every game he was dominant, but right now he's slipping up and doubting himself."

Statistical Decline and A Lack of Command

As with Salah, a player of Van Dijk's caliber must not be written off after winning two Premier Leagues, the Champions League, the FA Cup and two EFL Cups in a glittering Liverpool career.

He has, though, looked a pale imitation of his usual dominant persona this season, with the lowest recovery numbers per game during his Liverpool career, while tackles and interceptions are also down on last season.

And, while leadership should not be Van Dijk's preserve alone in a Liverpool team full of experience, it was missing here. No-one was motivating a team that once again looked lost to seize the initiative by the initiative.

Van Dijk's subpar showing, which ended with him being used as the emergency option of acting as an emergency striker, was symptomatic of a horribly mediocre Liverpool performance - which made Sunday's win at West Ham seem like the outlier rather than the standard.

A Team Devoid of Inspiration

Slot kept faith with the side that ended a run of nine losses in 12 games at London Stadium, Salah once more starting on the sidelines.

The Egyptian emerged at the start of the second half as the Kop turned to him for inspiration. It was not forthcoming, with £125m Alexander Isak also anonymous after getting off the mark with his first league goal for Liverpool on Sunday.

Slot would have been under greater pressure had Florian Wirtz's 81st-minute shot not been turned in off Nordi Mukiele to set up what Liverpool hoped would be a grandstand finish.

A late scare came - but at the other end. Liverpool were only spared embarrassment in stoppage time when Federico Chiesa's outstanding recovery run allowed him to turn Sunderland substitute Wilson Isidor's shot off the line after he had beaten keeper Alisson.

Praise Deserved and Looking Ahead

Slot and his fading champions ultimately had to accept the point knowing it could have been worse, with Alisson blessed to turn Trai Hume's shot onto the bar in the first half before Omar Alderete headed against the post after the interval.

Liverpool were sluggish, ponderous and lacking in ideas. Even the traditional late rally after the equaliser carried scant belief. Showings like this are the reason their defense of their crown has fallen apart.

But huge credit for the Reds' struggles on Wednesday must be given to Sunderland, who are being rewarded for a summer of notable ambition in the transfer market, coupled with the fine work of Regis le Bris.

The Black Cats were positive, confident and a genuine threat.

Sunderland are now sixth in the Premier League with 23 points. It is indicative of the manner in which they have grown into life in the Premier League that they will be disappointed they left Anfield without adding two more to their tally.

For Slot and Liverpool, it is time for reflection.