‘He’s overrated,’ says a TalkSPORT analyst, of a Liverpool player who isn’t as excellent as many think.

After Liverpool’s defeat to Bournemouth yesterday, TalkSPORT analyst Jason Cundy called Virgil van Dijk a “overrated” defender

Jurgen Klopp’s men were defeated 1-0 by the Cherries on Saturday following a lackluster performance on the south coast.

The Reds were aiming to capitalize on their recent good success in the Premier League, which included a 7-0 thumping of rivals Manchester United.

Nevertheless, after a promising first 15 minutes at the Vitality Stadium, Liverpool disappointed, as Philip Billing’s effort just before the half-hour mark proved decisive.

Of course, Mohamed Salah missed a penalty spot kick in the second half to tie the game. Yet Liverpool’s defence for Bournemouth’s goal was, to say the least, poor.

Dango Ouattara beat Van Dijk far too easily down the right flank, while Trent Alexander-Arnold failed to pick up Billing in the box.

Cundy has now slammed Van Dijk for his performances for Liverpool this season, claiming that the Dutchman is overrated by the media.

Cundy believes Van Dijk is ‘overrated.’

Cundy believes Van Dijk is far too prone to errors to be compared to the likes of John Terry and Rio Ferdinand on TalkSPORT.

“I personally believe he is overrated. I believe the media adores what Van Dijk has accomplished. “He’s a terrific center half, without a doubt, but he makes too many mistakes,” he added.

“I believe mistakes go overlooked. They conceded a goal when they were eliminated from the Champions League a couple of seasons ago during COVID. Then, once again, he runs in a lazy manner, as if he is trying to buy time but not reacting.”

“That’s bad centre half play [when Van Dijk was outmuscled by Dominic Solanke], even though he’s on the opposite side,” he said.

“I think he’s had a good 18 months, and I know the injury has had an impact. But today’s goal was about his lack of, which I can’t quite put my finger on because as he [Ouattara] gets away from him inside, he appears to stop and misunderstand the situation.”

The TalkSPORT commentator also said that the Liverpool star is “nowhere near” the caliber of Chelsea great John Terry or Manchester United hero Rio Ferdinand.

Van Dijk hasn’t been at his best this season, but he’s battled since recovering from a major injury suffered against Everton in October 2020.

The 31-year-old was probably the greatest defender in the Premier League for a few years, and Cundy’s labeling him as overrated is a bit harsh.

The Liverpool star could still return to form after being sidelined with a hamstring injury at the end of January.

Klopp’s men are just not performing at the level they were prior to this season, and while it’s easy to blame their best players, it’s down to a lot more than Van Dijk.