'Demolished!' – Virgil van Dijk destroyed by Italian press for awful defending against Rafael Leao in Liverpool's loss to AC Milan

The Italian media has blasted Virgil van Dijk for his failure to control Rafael Leao during Milan's 4-2 pre-season win over Liverpool in Hong Kong.

  • Leao provided a goal and an assist
  • Virgil given 4.5/10 for performance.
  • Slot insists are solid at the back

'Demolished!' - Virgil van Dijk destroyed by Italian press for awful defending against Rafael Leao in Liverpool's loss to AC Milan'Demolished!' - Virgil van Dijk destroyed by Italian press for awful defending against Rafael Leao in Liverpool's loss to AC Milan'Demolished!' - Virgil van Dijk destroyed by Italian press for awful defending against Rafael Leao in Liverpool's loss to AC Milan

Gazzetta dello Sport were harsh in their criticism of the Dutch centre back, giving Van Dijk a rating of 4.5/10 for his performance in Saturday’s loss. Liverpool did struggle to contain Leao’s threat, with the Portuguese star scoring once and setting up another goal for the Rossinieri. Gazzetta named Leao as the player of the match for his performance.

‘s leading sports paper said the Portugese “demolished” van Dijk. Typically operating on the wing, the makeshift striker impressed nonetheless, with Gazzetta writing, “He [Leao] hasn’t yet become a natural centre-forward, but not even Van Dijk was able to stop him when he sprinted.”

Liverpool’s strength at centre half has been brought under question. Van Dijk started the game alongside Ryan Gravenberch, while Ibrahima Konate spent the second half in a makeshift partnership with left back Kostas Tsimikas. The sale of Jarrell Quansah, Joe Gomez’s persistent injury woes and a rare sub-par performance from Van Dijk are causes for concern. Arne Slot, however, insists the Reds are suitably stocked at centre half for their title defence. He told reporters: “I don’t think we have a concern at centre-back.”

Liverpool will look to put the disappointing result behind them when they finish their pre-season tour of Asia with a tie against Yokohama FC on Wednesday.

Leao and Milan can build on a promising performance when they square off with Perth Glory on Thursday.