At the conclusion of the third round of the English Premier League, the fight between veteran Liverpool midfielder James Milner and fellow Dutch defender Virgil van Dijk came to light. Jadon Sancho had given Manchester United the lead in their 2-1 triumph over the Reds.
After Sancho manipulated the Dutch defender and slipped to the ground inside the penalty area before hitting a creeping ground ball that fooled Brazilian goalkeeper Alison Becker and gave the Red Devils the lead, it was obvious that Milner (36 years old) had yelled obscenities at the Dutch defender and asked him to move forward to defend him.
While the Dutchman did not get close enough to block Sancho’s shot, Milner believed that Van Dijk should have attempted to narrow the corner in front of Sancho. Milner then shouted at him, “Look at me,” requesting that he perform his defensive duties.
The fight between Milner and Van Dyck didn’t finish then; it continued throughout the game, and they looked to shout at each other constantly. This was during a game in which Liverpool desperately attempted to make up for a two-goal deficit but was unsuccessful.
Former Irish midfielder Roy Keane, a British Sky Sports analyst, questioned what transpired between the players, claiming that it was out of the ordinary as he stated between the two halves: If you examine this Van Dijk. This season has not been good. It must be revealed! His feet must move. Look at him right here!
I would be concerned if I were instead of (German coach Jrgen) Klopp with what I saw, he added. Defensively (they were) very normal, he said.
Recalling the Fulham match, Van Dijk should have performed better, even during the 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace.
We brought up his disagreement with Milner, and he said, “I know it may happen, but it looks like its a little more than that. more than just a typical difference of opinion with a player.
There is something going on between Milner and Van Dijk, said current Sky Sports broadcaster and legendary former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher in a manner similar to that of his colleague Kane.
He continued, “They continue shouting at each other for perhaps ten or fifteen seconds.”
He is correct that there is undoubtedly a lot of frustration on the field. After his first goal, Milner is furious with him.
After failing to record its first victory this campaign following two draws, Carragher referred to the defence of his old squad as disgraceful.
The Milner-Van Dyck fight takes centre stage.
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