A Fading Figure of His Dominant Stature - Van Dijk Fights Waning Influence
The intense focus that has centered around one global Liverpool legend turned to another on Anfield's latest desperate night.
The Egyptian forward has come under fire for his subpar performances this season - and was relegated to the sidelines for the consecutive Premier League game as Sunderland came to town on Wednesday.
But it was leader Virgil van Dijk, a unmatched defensive rock as Liverpool have swept up the full collection of major trophies, whose dip in performance came under the microscope during the stalemate.
The Experienced Pair and Renewed Terms
Van Dijk, 34, and Salah, 33, both inked lucrative new two-year deals in the summer, with scarcely a Liverpool concern voiced at the notion of handing contracts to a seasoned pair much closer to the end of their careers than the start.
Truly, it was a moment of optimism - but now there is no denying the stark fact that performance has dipped worryingly for both.
Defensive Vulnerabilities and A Costly Refit
Liverpool have been susceptible in defence ever since manager Arne Slot and the club's scouting department embarked on a £450m summer refit that has still to demonstrate anything like a good return.
Simultaneously, Van Dijk has started to forfeit the air of invincibility he has possessed since his £75m move from Southampton in January 2018.
Van Dijk has received little support by center-back colleague Ibrahima Konate's dramatic dip, along with Milos Kerkez failing to settle at left-back. But the renowned star has also had significant difficulties, as demonstrated by his desperate handball that resulted in a penalty in the significant Champions League loss to PSV Eindhoven at Anfield.
An Incident That Summed Up The Issue
It was encapsulated in the 67th minute on Wednesday when Chemsdine Talbi gave Sunderland a deserved lead, Van Dijk losing possession before standing off and turning away on a 25-yard shot that hit him and drifted out of the reach of goalkeeper Alisson.
For a defender of such unquestionable quality, Van Dijk has an peculiar tendency of turning away on the ball, sometimes to Liverpool's disadvantage.
Misfortune at the conclusion, yes, but it was a situation Van Dijk courted with his unusual failure to make a decisive move, Sunderland's Talbi taking advantage.
"Van Dijk surrenders possession and then he just backs off. It's the mistake. 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 commanding, but right now he's making mistakes and doubting himself."
The Numbers and Missing Leadership
As with Salah, a player of Van Dijk's stature must not be written off 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 pale imitation of his usual commanding presence this season, with the worst recoveries per game during his Liverpool career, while key defensive stats are also down on last season.
And, while leadership should not be Van Dijk's sole responsibility alone in a Liverpool team packed with experience, it was lacking here. No-one was rousing a team that once again looked bewildered to grab the game by the throat.
Van Dijk's poor display, which ended with him being used as the desperate measure of acting as an last-ditch attacker, was indicative of a deeply underwhelming Liverpool performance - which made Sunday's win at West Ham seem like the outlier rather than the standard.
A Team Lacking Spark
Slot kept faith with the side that ended a run of nine losses in 12 games at London Stadium, Salah once more watching from the sidelines.
The Egyptian came on at the start of the second half as the Kop turned to him for inspiration. It failed to materialize, with £125m Alexander Isak also anonymous after scoring his first 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 thrilling finale.
A late scare came - but at the other end. Liverpool were only saved from humiliation 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 dribbled past keeper Alisson.
Credit Due and The Road Forward
Slot and his underperforming defending champions ultimately had to accept the 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 lethargic, unimaginative and lacking in ideas. Even the customary late surge after the equaliser carried minimal threat. Showings like this are the reason their attempt to retain the title has fallen apart.
But huge credit for the Reds' struggles on Wednesday must be given to Sunderland, who are being seeing the results for a summer of clear intent in the transfer market, coupled with the superb management of Regis le Bris.
The Black Cats were proactive, assured and a genuine threat.
Sunderland are now sixth in the Premier League with 23 points. It is indicative of the manner in which they have grown into life in the Premier League that they will be frustrated they left Anfield without adding two more to their tally.
For Slot and Liverpool, it is time for reflection.