Former Ajax star Rafael Van der Vaart has called Liverpool a ‘mediocre’ team ahead of The Reds clash with his former club tonight.
Van der Vaart was speaking on Ziggo Sport show Rondo via Voetbal International. There, the player-turned-pundit insisted that Joe Gomez, James Milner and Jordan Henderson are ‘very normal’ players.
“I think we got a bit blinded. We suddenly think Jordan Henderson is an amazing player. That’s just a very normal player. James Milner is also a very normal player. Joe Gomez is also a very normal player,” said Van der Vaart.
“Virgil van Dijk is great, that right back and left back are also good. But if it doesn’t quite work out and those attackers don’t have their day, then it’s just a very mediocre team, I think.”
The former Holland international did however suggest that, despite this, Liverpool still have two players he fears this evening.
The only thing I’m afraid of at Ajax is if Luis Díaz and Mohamed Salah do have their day, then we have a problem. Then Ajax will never win. Certainly not at Anfield, I don’t think Daley Blind and Devyne Rensch are good enough for that,” he said.
Nothing normal about Liverpool, but improvement needed
Since becoming a pundit, Van der Vaart has become well known for pulling no punches in his analysis. There will certainly be portions of the Liverpool fanbase who agree with him on this occasion, too.
But still, it seems a little unfair on all three players to single them out. Henderson has had this levelled at him throughout his career. But you don’t do what he’s done with Liverpool and England if you’re not a super midfielder.
There isn’t anything ‘normal’ about the career James Milner has had, either. Meanwhile, Gomez struggled at Napoli, but he’s proved himself as an able partner for Virgil Van Dijk in the past.
Liverpool are currently in a poor state, though. They need to arrest this slump, and all three of the players Van der Vaart mentions couldn’t argue with the description of their form so far this season.
Nothing normal about Liverpool, but improvement needed
Since becoming a pundit, Van der Vaart has become well known for pulling no punches in his analysis. There will certainly be portions of the Liverpool fanbase who agree with him on this occasion, too.
But still, it seems a little unfair on all three players to single them out. Henderson has had this levelled at him throughout his career. But you don’t do what he’s done with Liverpool and England if you’re not a super midfielder.
There isn’t anything ‘normal’ about the career James Milner has had, either. Meanwhile, Gomez struggled at Napoli, but he’s proved himself as an able partner for Virgil Van Dijk in the past.
Henderson won’t get the chance to make the pundit eat his words this evening. The captain is still injured and not expected back until next month.
Milner and Gomez on the other hand are more than likely to be on the bench after their displays last week.
Perhaps Van der Vaart’s words can serve as motivation for the Liverpool team this evening, though. They need something to a light a fire under them.
As far as the former Spurs’ man’s words go, they’re certainly verging into ‘pin it up in the dressing room’ territory. Prove him wrong, Reds.
