Virgil van Dijk challenge on Everton midfielder Amadou Onana worthy of red card – Frank Leboeuf
Frank Leboeuf believes Liverpool’s centre-back Virgil van Dijk was lucky to avoid a red card in the match against Everton.
The Dutch international received a yellow card for his challenge on the Toffees’ newly-signed midfielder Amadou Onana in the 76th minute.
Leboeuf, while talking to ESPN FC, stated that the conduct was a violent one which could have a serious impact for the 21-year-old.
“No, I’m not [convinced that it was not a red card],” he said. “Because I see the ankle moving, I think it’s a violent act and I’m sorry because I know he’s late.
“I know he tries to get the ball but it’s very hard contact. And when I see, every time I see the picture I have to hide my eyes because I think it could have been very dangerous for Oana.
“It’s always dangerous when you catch a little bit above the ankle, you can break it. You can break the ankle. It could be, it could be terrible. So it’s a violent act. Even if it’s clumsy, it is a violent act.”
Lucky
Onana was undoubtedly lucky on the day to avoid a serious injury on a challenge that could’ve had an extremely serious outcome.
However, the youngster’s performance must give Frank Lampard and the Everton fans something to be excited about as he was one of the star performers for the side in his first Merseyside Derby.
The 21-year-old ended up making the most number of tackles (7) in the match by any player along with making three clearances and one interception [Whoscored]. Not only that but he also provided a couple of key passes to start an attacking move.
Lampard will be hoping that his young defensive midfielder will continue to deliver the goods in the matches to come which will definitely going to help the side in registering better results in the matches to come. Onana has only joined the club in the recently concluded transfer window from French club LOSC Lille in a deal worth £31.5 million [Transfermarkt].