Virgil Van Dijk injury will 'galvanise' Liverpool says Andy Dunn 1769459039NJc04W9t
Liverpool goalkeeper Adrian didn’t hold back when talking about Jordan Pickford’s challenge on Virgil van Dijk, which left the centre-back nursing an ACL injury.
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Van Dijk will likely miss the remainder of the Premier League season after suffering an Anterior Cruciate Ligament injury.
The defender was attempting to tap home at the back post after meeting a Fabinho cross, but was clattered to the floor by Pickford.
The Everton goalkeeper rushed off his line and attempted to get a foot to the ball, but instead wrapped his legs around Van Dijk’s kneecap, sending him flying.
VAR deemed the tackle unworthy of a red card, and Everton ended up with a free-kick after Van Dijk was ruled to be offside.
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After the game, there was debate as to whether Pickford should have seen red for the challenge, as the goalkeeper escaped punishment completely.
And speaking openly about the tackle, Adrian tore into the Everton goalkeeper, saying the challenge couldn’t be excused.
He told Sky Sports: “It was a very bad challenge in a very bad position of Virgil’s body.
“I think not many players are allowed to do these types of challenges.
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“Normally keepers defend keepers, but going for a ball like this in that case... I don’t know.
“It’s not fair, in that situation.
“He has not many chance to block the ball in that position, just to hurt the other player.
“Everyone who is a footballer, your body is at risk every time you play.
“You have a few challenges you’re allowed to do, but I don’t accept a challenge like this.”
Liverpool played their first game without Van Dijk on Wednesday night, beating Ajax away in the Champions League with Fabinho filling in at centre-back.
And Adrian was full of praise for the Brazilian after the game, and complimented the way he slotted into the back line.
“Fab played a few times there last season and the more games playing together, everyone is going to get more confident, for sure,” he said.
"We've known each other for a long time and it's not just the centre-backs and the goalkeeper, it's the whole team defending and it was a very good job from everyone.
"Obviously we know we are going to miss Virgil and it's a big loss for us, but it's how to react. We have many good players who can play in this position – Fabinho did great tonight with Joe.
"We have a great squad and we have shown at different times last season, when anyone is not playing, another one comes from the bench to do the same and even better.
"We are going to miss Virg, for sure, but I thought we did good tonight from the defending side."
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