Virgil van Dijk has been accused of not being a leader in recent weeks and the Liverpool captain has shown his true colours behind the scenes
Connor O’Neill and Neil Docking
13:19, 22 Oct 2025
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk and record signing Alexander Isak(Image: Getty Images)
Virgil van Dijk has been providing crucial support to Alexander Isak following his blockbuster switch to Liverpool.
Isak sealed his controversial move to Anfield from Newcastle United on deadline day in a mammoth £125million deal. The striker was among eight new signings including Hugo Ekitike, Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong, Giovanni Leoni, Armin Pesci and Freddie Woodman as Arne Slot completely revamped the attack that clinched the title last term.
However, despite his impressive form for the Magpies last campaign, Isak has struggled to find the net in the Premier League or Champions League for the English champions. His sole goal for the Reds came in the Carabao Cup clash with Southampton.
According to The Athletic, Liverpool skipper Van Dijk has demonstrated his leadership qualities by offering particular encouragement and guidance to the striker.
This revelation emerges after the Dutch defender faced criticism for allegedly turning on Milos Kerkez during Liverpool’s loss to Manchester United on Sunday, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Alexander Isak has been receiving support from Liverpool team-mate Virgil van Dijk(Image: (Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images))
One incident that epitomised Liverpool’s frustrating afternoon against Ruben Amorim’s team occurred in the second half when Van Dijk’s attempted clearance struck Kerkez in the face before sailing over the crossbar.
The centre-half seemed to berate his team-mate, prompting former Premier League midfielder Craig Burley to slam his response.
“Virgil van Dijk, to me, is not leading at the moment. He’s blaming,” he told ESPN FC. “Kerkez is having a bad time, there’s no doubt about it.
“He’s getting swallowed up by the pressure of going in with these big players in this huge football club with these big expectations, but I don’t think it helps when your captain’s looking at him every two minutes and blaming him or digging him out.
Virgil van Dijk has reportedly been offering support to Alexander Isak following his move to Liverpool(Image: (DARREN STAPLES/AFP via Getty Images) )
“Even at the end, the clearance that comes off Kerkez’s face. What’s he supposed to do? He’s tucking in behind Van Dijk.
“Van Dijk’s turning around and he’s gesturing to him. The crowd see it and I just don’t think that helps the situation.”
Earlier this month, Dutch football legend Marco van Basten expressed his views on Van Dijk’s leadership skills, stating: “I think Van Dijk should be the leader. He should set a good example and be the driving force.
“I miss that in him. I find his mentality easy. He’s a fantastic player, perhaps the best defender we have in the world. He can head the ball, is quick, tall, and has a good overview.
“He’s just not the leader who drives the team forward. That would be very beneficial for the team. I hope Arne Slot can teach him that.”
