A Fading Figure of His Commanding Persona - Van Dijk Grapples With Waning Influence

The intense focus that has centered around one elite Liverpool icon turned to another on Anfield's fresh frustrating night.

The Egyptian forward has faced examination for his subpar performances this campaign - and was relegated to the sidelines for the second successive Premier League game as the Black Cats visited on Wednesday.

But it was leader Virgil van Dijk, a exceptional defensive rock as Liverpool have swept up the complete set of top honors, whose struggles took center stage during the 1-1 draw.

The Veteran Duo and Contract Extensions

Van Dijk, 34, and Salah, 33, both agreed to new lucrative two-year deals in the summer, with scarcely a Liverpool concern voiced at the idea of handing contracts to a veteran duo much approaching the end of their careers than the start.

Truly, it was a reason for joy - but now there is no avoiding the stark fact that levels have fallen alarmingly for both.

Backline Issues and A Major Overhaul

Liverpool have been vulnerable in defence ever since boss Arne Slot and the club's recruitment team undertook a £450m summer overhaul that has not yet shown anything like value for money.

Simultaneously, Van Dijk has started to forfeit the aura of invulnerability he has possessed since his £75m switch from Southampton in January 2018.

Van Dijk has not been helped by fellow defender Ibrahima Konate's collapse in form, along with Milos Kerkez not finding his feet at left-back. But the renowned star has also fought his own battles, as demonstrated by his desperate handball that gave away a penalty in the significant Champions League loss to PSV Eindhoven at Anfield.

A Moment That Summed Up The Issue

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

For a defender of such proven caliber, Van Dijk has an unusual habit of turning away on the ball, sometimes to Liverpool's detriment.

Misfortune at the end, yes, but it was a situation Van Dijk courted with his unusual failure to act decisively, Sunderland's Talbi seizing the moment.

"Van Dijk surrenders possession and then he just drops off. It's the wrong decision. 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 couldn't make a mistake. Every game he was commanding, but right now he's slipping up and hesitating."

Statistical Decline and Missing Leadership

As with Salah, a player of Van Dijk's pedigree must not be written off after claiming two Premier Leagues, the Champions League, the FA Cup and two EFL Cups in a stellar 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 exclusive domain alone in a Liverpool team brimming with experience, it was absent here. No-one was motivating a team that once again looked lost to seize the initiative 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 anomaly rather than the standard.

Liverpool Devoid of Ideas

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

The Egyptian was introduced at the start of the second half as the Kop turned to him for inspiration. It never came, with £125m Alexander Isak also quiet after getting off the mark with his first league goal for Liverpool on Sunday.

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

A late scare 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 rounded keeper Alisson.

Praise Deserved and The Road Forward

Slot and his underperforming defending champions ultimately had to take a point knowing it could have been worse, with Alisson lucky 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 short on invention. Even the typical final push after the equaliser carried minimal threat. Showings like this are the reason their defense of their crown has crumbled.

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

The Black Cats were adventurous, 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 unhappy they left Anfield without adding two more to their tally.

For Slot and Liverpool, it is a case of going back to basics.