'He’s shown he’s human' - Jamie Redknapp on Van Dijk's mistake

  /  autty

Strikers around the world rejoiced on Sunday as they watched seemingly unbeatable defender Virgil van Dijk make a mistake which led to a goal.

The Liverpool defender who has bolstered their defence and turned them into title contenders failed to deal with a sliced, high pass from James Milner, which ended up allowing Fulham back into the game.

Liverpool ended up winning the game 2-1, but Ryan Babel pounced on van Dijk's weak header to put the ball past the goalkeeper and give them a few nervy moments in the second half.

'He's shown he's human,' said Jamie Redknapp of van Dijk on Sky Sports after the game, 'we've been starting to worry.'

Liverpool have had the best defensive record in the Premier League so far this season, conceding just 18 goals in 31 games. The addition of van Dijk at the back as well as goalkeeper Alisson has contributed massively to that.

However, they both made mistakes in the run up to the goal, showing Liverpool's nerves as they try to keep pace with Manchester City in the title race.

'van Dijk, he's wanting to hear something from Alisson,' said Graeme Souness. 'Why he's not bending down and taking a blow for the cause here, why he's going with his feet, you'll have to ask him that. The goalkeeper in that situation has got to do better.'

Redknapp agreed, saying 'it's not a great header, but the keeper's got to be better as well.'

Virgil van Dijk admitted his mistake after the match, saying 'I'm not giving excuses, I should've had it better.'

Meanwhile James Milner tried to take some of the blame too, as it was his misplaced clearance which led to the goal.

'Biggest deflection I've seen, but it was me who put him in the mire to be fair,' said Milner. 'The gaffer said to come on and calm it down, so the best thing to do is slice it over the top and put Virgil under pressure.'

Liverpool are back to the top of the Premier League, however Manchester City have a game in hand and will take their place back with a win over struggling Fulham after the international break.

Related: Liverpool Milner Alisson Jamie Redknapp Van Dijk
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