Liverpool came from 2-0 down to beat Villarreal 4-3, with captain Virgil van Dijk saying after the final whistle that his start to the match was not his best.
How the match unfolded
Georges Mikautadze scored Villarreal's opener four minutes into the contest. Mac Allister scored a brace in the comeback win, while Ngumoha provided two assists. Tani Oluwaseyi scored Villarreal's late third, making for a nervous finish.
Van Dijk's response
Van Dijk posted on social media: "Not my best start to a match, I take the criticism on the chin."
He also wrote: "An incredible reaction from the team, I am incredibly proud of that"
Ratings and criticism
GOAL said Van Dijk misplaced a header that directly led to Georges Mikautadze’s opener. GOAL gave Van Dijk a 5.5 in its player ratings. GOAL said the BBC gave Van Dijk a 5/10 rating, and GOAL said The Guardian pointed out that Van Dijk's mistake-laden opening was the primary reason Liverpool were in that position so early in the match.
Deeney's assessment on CBS Golazo
Former Watford striker Troy Deeney spoke as an analyst for CBS Golazo about Van Dijk's display. He said: "It seems like he is mentally fatigued."
Deeney also said: "He still has qualities, but that mistake at 0-1… That is not Virgil van Dijk, this is normally not in his dictionary."
He added: "He completely misjudges it and also for the second goal against, he steps in for no reason. He looks frustrated."
Deeney compared Van Dijk with John Terry, saying Terry adapted to losing his pace by organising those around him and was never left exposed. Deeney said: "For every footballer there comes a moment like this in his career. He never put himself in danger, but that was because he had Cahill and Azpilicueta next to him and could organise things well. Van Dijk has so much athletic ability, but his speed is decreasing. And he coaches his teammates less than Terry did. Look how easily Liverpool concede goals."