CBS Sports pundit Ian Joy has launched a scathing critique of one Liverpool player following the Reds’ Community Shield final defeat to Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon. Arne Slot’s side twice took the lead at Wembley Stadium – first through new signing Hugo Ekitike, then again via Jeremie Frimpong’s freak goal in the 20th minute – but a penalty shootout ultimately proved their undoing.
Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson was once again the hero, saving from both Alexis Mac Allister and Harvey Elliott after Mohamed Salah had already blazed Liverpool’s first attempt over the crossbar. Despite Liverpool creating plenty of first-half chances to put the game beyond doubt, Joy singled out a defender for criticism, warning of an imminent decline.
Virgil van Dijk, who signed a new contract at the end of the 2024/25 season after captaining the Reds to a record-equalling 20th league title, is now 34. According to Joy, his two costly mistakes over the weekend suggest his time at the very top may be drawing to a close sooner than many anticipated.
Pundit Warns of Virgil van Dijk’s Decline
virgil van dijk
CBS Sports is known for its passionate, entertainment-driven punditry, and Joy’s rant about Van Dijk perfectly illustrates why he was brought on by the American-owned broadcaster. The retired footballer didn’t hold back in his critique of the Dutchman’s performance on Sunday afternoon and predicted Liverpool will face defensive struggles in the 2025/26 season.
When asked whether the Reds should sign Marc Guehi – who has been linked with a move to Anfield this summer – Joy didn’t pull any punches, quipping that the club will “definitely be on the phone to someone after that type of performance.” He went on to elaborate (watch the full segment below):
“I’m going to throw it out right now, and I don’t care what anyone says to me about this one – even my production team that are talking to me right now, ‘be careful what you say’ – Virgil van Dijk is going to have a poor season, and you can clearly see he’s getting older, and his timing is a little bit off.”
Joy continued: “If you look at the equalising goal, his positional play, he’s trying to play offside when all of his teammates around him are two-three yards beneath him. Lack of communication, lack of organisational skills, and what’s Virgil’s most important asset? His leadership qualities, the way he communicates with his players.
“You have to make sure your players are on the same wavelength. If you don’t have that, you’re absolutely screwed.”
