A Fading Figure of His Dominant Stature - Van Dijk Grapples With Waning Influence
The unforgiving spotlight that has centered around one elite Liverpool icon turned to another on Anfield's most recent disappointing night.
The Egyptian forward has faced examination for his poor form this campaign - and was consigned to the sidelines for the second successive Premier League game as Sunderland arrived on Wednesday.
But it was leader Virgil van Dijk, a exceptional defensive bedrock as Liverpool have secured the complete set of major prizes, whose struggles took center stage during the 1-1 draw.
The Seasoned Stars and Contract Extensions
Van Dijk, 34, and Salah, 33, both agreed to new lucrative two-year deals in the summer, with scarcely a Liverpool concern voiced at the notion of handing contracts to a seasoned pair much nearer to the end of their careers than the start.
Truly, it was a cause of celebration - but now there is no avoiding the brutal reality that levels have fallen alarmingly for both.
Defensive Vulnerabilities and A Costly Refit
Liverpool have been vulnerable in defence ever since manager Arne Slot and the club's transfer committee began a £450m summer rebuild that has still to demonstrate anything like value for money.
At the same time, Van Dijk has started to shed the air of invincibility he has carried since his £75m transfer from Southampton in January 2018.
Van Dijk has not been helped by center-back colleague Ibrahima Konate's collapse in form, along with Milos Kerkez failing to settle at left-back. But the great Dutchman has also fought his own battles, as demonstrated by his desperate handball that resulted in a penalty in the significant Champions League loss to PSV Eindhoven at Anfield.
A Sequence That Symbolized The Problem
It was exemplified in the 67th minute on Wednesday when Chemsdine Talbi gave Sunderland a deserved lead, Van Dijk losing possession before backing away and turning away on a 25-yard shot that deflected off him and drifted out of the reach of goalkeeper Alisson.
For a defender of such proven caliber, Van Dijk has an peculiar tendency of turning his back on the ball, sometimes to Liverpool's detriment.
Bad luck at the conclusion, yes, but it was a situation Van Dijk provoked with his atypical failure to make a decisive move, Sunderland's Talbi taking advantage.
"Van Dijk gives the ball away and then he just retreats. It's the incorrect choice. 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 was impeccable. Every game he was imperious, but right now he's erring and doubting himself."
Statistical Decline and A Leadership Void
As with Salah, a player of Van Dijk's pedigree must not be dismissed after securing two Premier Leagues, the Champions League, the FA Cup and two EFL Cups in a stellar Liverpool career.
He has, though, looked a pale imitation of his usual commanding presence this season, with the lowest recovery numbers per game during his Liverpool career, while defensive actions are also down on last season.
And, while leadership should not be Van Dijk's sole responsibility alone in a Liverpool team brimming with experience, it was absent here. No-one was rousing a team that once again looked clueless to grab the game by the throat.
Van Dijk's subpar showing, which ended with him being used as the desperate measure of acting as an makeshift forward, was representative of a deeply underwhelming Liverpool performance - which made Sunday's win at West Ham seem like the exception rather than the standard.
A Side Without 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 looked to him for inspiration. It failed to materialize, with £125m Alexander Isak also anonymous after getting off the mark with his first league goal for Liverpool on Sunday.
Slot would have been under even more pressure had Florian Wirtz's 81st-minute shot not deflected in off Nordi Mukiele to set up what Liverpool hoped would be a grandstand finish.
Stoppage-time tension 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 fading champions ultimately had to settle for a draw 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, labored and lacking in ideas. Even the customary late surge after the equaliser carried little conviction. Displays like this are the reason their defense of their crown has crumbled.
But huge credit for the Reds' struggles on Wednesday must be given to Sunderland, who are being reaping the benefits for a summer of serious ambition in the transfer market, coupled with the excellent coaching of Regis le Bris.
The Black Cats were positive, self-believing and dangerous.
Sunderland are now sixth in the Premier League with 23 points. It is telling of the manner in which they have grown into life in the Premier League that they will be unhappy they left Anfield without adding two more to their tally.
For Slot and Liverpool, it is time for reflection.