'You can do better' - Liverpool boss Arne Slot addresses Virgil van Dijk's dip in form after more struggles in shock Fulham defeat

Liverpool started their season off in style and continued to perform as one of the best teams in the world, with Van Dijk's top form in defence helping the Reds' attack and midfield play more freely. However, as the season has gone on, the Merseyside club's form has dropped, and so have Van Dijk's performances.

Van Dijk has had subpar performances over the last couple of months, especially when Liverpool lost to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League round of 16 and their loss to Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final. The Reds fell to a defeat against Fulham, only the second time in the Premier League this season, and Van Dijk's form was questioned yet again. However, Slot is not worried about the centre-back's form.

Speaking to the media, Slot said: “If you look at Beto, Virgil wasn’t the first defender to find it hard to play against him as he chases for every ball, pushes you just before you get the ball.

“The one who played there today, you have to give a lot of credit to him as well.

“I still see a lot of things that Virgil does really well. If you play 50 to 60 games a season, even for Virgil, there will be one or two moments where he could have done better. I don’t worry about Virgil.”

Liverpool are still uncertain over Van Dijk's future as his contract is set to run out this summer. However, after the loss to Fulham, the Dutchman revealed that he had reopened contract talks with the Reds, but did not fully commit his future to the club.