Everton star Jordan Pickford blamed for ‘Demise’ of Liverpool star Virgil Van Dijk’s career
Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has been blamed for the “demise” of Liverpool star Virgil Van Dijk’s career by journalist Henk Spaan.
Pickford was responsible for Van Dijk suffering a serious knee injury back in 2020, which saw him miss the remainder of the season and the European Championships the following summer.
Van Dijk has since returned and is still regarded as one of the best in the world, but Dutch journalist Spaan believes he is nowhere near as good as he once was and he told Parool (12 September) that the blame lies squarely at the feet of the Toffees goalkeeper following his “attack” on the defender.
“It has been three years since Jordan Pickford attacked Virgil van Dijk’s knee,” he said.
“There was a moment on the sidelines against Ireland when Van Dijk was walked out by an opponent he would once have laughed and taken the ball from without wasting a drop of sweat.
“Pickford’s tackle on Van Dijk during Everton-Liverpool was called a leg breaker by Peter Crouch on live TV. Tony Cascarino compared Pickford to Roy Keane, who ended the career of Haaland, the Manchester City striker’s father.
“I did not comment on Van Dijk’s play with compassion on X [Twittter]. I maintain that he is no longer the designated captain of the Dutch national team.
“But it is certain that Pickford, who did not even receive a card before his attack, is responsible for the demise of Virgil’s career.”
Harsh
Pickford made a reckless tackle. We all remember it, we’ve not heard the end of it ever since. But to blame him for the demise of someone’s career is bonkers.
Van Dijk returned a year later and has been one of the best defenders in the world ever since, and while you could certainly argue that he isn’t quite as feared as he once was there are a host of reasons for that.
Liverpool aren’t nearly as good as they were, and there are less legs and protection in front of him in midfield these days. Add to that the fact he is now in his 30’s and a decline in performance was inevitable.
We all know that Pickford didn’t do any harm intentionally and the fact that he plays for Everton and Van Dijk plays for Liverpool means the incident was escalated far more than it ever needed to be or should have been.
It’s a stupid comment from a journalist and one that should be ignored. Everyone with sense knows it was just unfortunate and nothing more.
In other Everton news, Sky Sports man rages at takeover news and suggests “devil they know” may be better option.