A Fading Figure of His Dominant Stature - Van Dijk Battles Decline

The unforgiving spotlight that has been trained on one elite Liverpool icon switched to another on Anfield's most recent disappointing night.

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

But it was leader Virgil van Dijk, a exceptional defensive rock as Liverpool have collected the full collection of top honors, whose struggles became the focus during the 1-1 draw.

The Seasoned Stars and Contract Extensions

Van Dijk, 34, and Salah, 33, both agreed to lucrative new 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.

In fact, it was a reason for joy - but now there is no denying the brutal reality that levels have fallen alarmingly for both.

Backline Issues and Summer Spending

Liverpool have been exposed in defence ever since boss Arne Slot and the club's recruitment team embarked on a £450m summer refit that has yet to prove anything like a good return.

At the same time, Van Dijk has started to shed the aura of invulnerability he has held since his £75m switch from Southampton in January 2018.

Van Dijk has received little support by defensive partner Ibrahima Konate's dramatic dip, along with Milos Kerkez failing to settle at left-back. But the renowned star has also struggled badly, as proved by his panic-stricken handball that gave away a penalty in the heavyweight Champions League loss to PSV Eindhoven at Anfield.

A Moment That Summed Up The Struggle

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

For a defender of such undoubted greatness, Van Dijk has an peculiar tendency of turning his back on the ball, sometimes to Liverpool's disadvantage.

Ill fortune at the conclusion, yes, but it was a situation Van Dijk provoked with his uncharacteristic failure to make a decisive move, Sunderland's Talbi taking advantage.

"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 imperious, but right now he's slipping up and doubting himself."

Performance Metrics and A Leadership Void

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

He has, though, looked a faded version of his usual imperious self this season, with the worst recoveries 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 preserve alone in a Liverpool team full of experience, it was missing here. No-one was motivating a team that once again looked clueless to grab the game by the scruff of the neck.

Van Dijk's poor display, which ended with him being used as the last resort of acting as an last-ditch attacker, was symptomatic of a distinctly poor Liverpool performance - which made Sunday's win at West Ham seem like the exception rather than the standard.

A Side Without Inspiration

Slot persisted with the side that ended 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 looked to him for inspiration. It failed to materialize, with £125m Alexander Isak also ineffective after opening his account 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.

Late drama came - but at the other end. Liverpool were only spared embarrassment in stoppage time when Federico Chiesa's superb tracking back allowed him to turn Sunderland substitute Wilson Isidor's shot off the line after he had rounded keeper Alisson.

Credit Due and Looking Ahead

Slot and his fading champions 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 short on invention. Even the typical final push after the equaliser carried minimal threat. Displays like this are the reason their title defence has crumbled.

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

The Black Cats were adventurous, assured and dangerous.

Sunderland are now sixth in the Premier League with 23 points. It is symptomatic 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 time for reflection.