Liverpool star accused of playing for himself – Growing problem has been noticed

former Brugge manager Vanhaezebrouck believes Van Dijk's reluctance to cover his full-back is an exploitable weakness ahead of their Champions League meeting.

Former Club former Brugge manager Hein Vanhaezebrouck has identified a tactical vulnerability in Liverpool's defence ahead of their Champions League group-stage clash later this month. Vanhaezebrouck claims that Virgil van Dijk is not providing adequate cover for Liverpool's left-back, leaving either Milos Kerkez or Kostas Tsimikas exposed to pace-based attacks.

"As for who should provide defensive cover, that would be Virgil van Dijk—but he won't do it," Vanhaezebrouck said. "He doesn't want to risk being made to look foolish, so he leaves his left-back to fend for himself."

The Belgian tactician believes Brugge can exploit this by deploying pace on the wing, with Carlos Forbs potentially providing the required leverage. Vanhaezebrouck is bullish about Brugge's chances in the competition, genuinely believing they can compete for a top-eight finish.

Both sides currently sit level on nine points from four games, though Liverpool suffered a surprise 2-1 defeat to Fenerbahce this week while Brugge recorded their third consecutive win.