A Shadow of His Imperious Self - Van Dijk Battles Decline

The glaring spotlight that has centered around one world-class Liverpool icon switched to another on Anfield's latest frustrating night.

Mohamed Salah has faced examination for his subpar performances this season - and was consigned to the sidelines for the consecutive Premier League game as the Black Cats came to town on Wednesday.

But it was captain Virgil van Dijk, a peerless defensive bedrock as Liverpool have secured the full collection of major trophies, whose poor form became the focus during the draw.

The Experienced Pair and New Deals

Van Dijk, 34, and Salah, 33, both signed new lucrative two-year deals in the summer, with scarcely a Liverpool eyebrow raised at the prospect of securing the futures to a veteran duo much approaching the end of their careers than the start.

Indeed, it was a reason for joy - but now there is no denying the stark fact that levels have fallen worryingly for both.

Backline Issues and A Major Overhaul

Liverpool have been vulnerable in defence ever since boss Arne Slot and the club's scouting department undertook a £450m summer overhaul that has yet to prove anything like a good return.

Concurrently, Van Dijk has started to forfeit the aura of invulnerability he has carried since his £75m move from Southampton in January 2018.

Van Dijk has faced additional challenges by defensive partner Ibrahima Konate's collapse in form, along with Milos Kerkez not finding his feet at left-back. But the great Dutchman has also fought his own battles, as demonstrated by his desperate handball that conceded a penalty in the heavy Champions League loss to PSV Eindhoven at Anfield.

A Moment That Encapsulated The Problem

It was encapsulated in the 67th minute on Wednesday when Chemsdine Talbi gave Sunderland a well-earned lead, Van Dijk losing possession before backing away and averting his body on a 25-yard shot that struck him and drifted out of the reach of goalkeeper Alisson.

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

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

"Van Dijk gives the ball away 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 impeccable. Every game he was imperious, but right now he's slipping up and hesitating."

Statistical Decline and Missing Leadership

As with Salah, a player of Van Dijk's stature must not be discarded after securing two Premier Leagues, the Champions League, the FA Cup and two EFL Cups in a stellar Liverpool career.

He has, though, looked a faded version of his usual commanding presence this season, with the poest ball recovery rate 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 exclusive domain alone in a Liverpool team full of experience, it was lacking here. No-one was rousing a team that once again looked lost to grab the game by the throat.

Van Dijk's subpar showing, which ended with him being used as the desperate measure of acting as an emergency striker, was representative of a distinctly poor Liverpool performance - which made Sunday's win at West Ham seem like the outlier rather than the rule.

A Team Without Ideas

Slot persisted with the side that stopped a run of nine losses in 12 games at London Stadium, Salah once more watching from the sidelines.

The Egyptian came on at the start of the second half as the Kop pinned hopes on him for inspiration. It never came, with £125m Alexander Isak also ineffective after scoring his first with his first league goal for Liverpool on Sunday.

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

Stoppage-time tension came - but at the other end. Liverpool were only avoided defeat in stoppage time when Federico Chiesa's excellent defensive sprint allowed him to turn Sunderland substitute Wilson Isidor's shot off the line after he had beaten keeper Alisson.

Credit Due and The Road Forward

Slot and his struggling title-holders ultimately had to take a 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 slow, labored and lacking in ideas. Even the customary late surge after the equaliser carried little conviction. Displays like this are the reason their attempt to retain the title has crumbled.

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

The Black Cats were proactive, 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 adapted to life in the Premier League that they will be frustrated they left Anfield without adding two more to their tally.

For Slot and Liverpool, it is time for reflection.