RIO FERDINAND blasted Virgil Van Dijk for “criminal” defending over Luis Suarez’s opener for Barcelona.
England legend Ferdinand accused “static” Liverpool centre-back Van Dijk of not responding as ex-Reds hero Suarez nipped in to head home Jordi Alba‘s cross.
That 26th minute opener was a huge blow to Jurgen Klopp‘s men after they matched the Spanish champions for much of this Champions League semi-final first leg at the Nou Camp.
And it was also Uruguay star Suarez whose bundled shot came back off the post on 75 minutes for Lionel Messi to double Barca’s lead, before the Argentinian netted a stunning free-kick to make it 3-0.
Pundit Ferdinand said of Suarez’s breakthrough goal: “Virgil van Dijk is at fault.
“He can see Suarez who is pointing where he wants it. It’s not rocket science.
“That’s your man with the no9 on the back of his shirt.
“Static. Van Dijk is static and that is criminal.
“He has got to be Matip’s eyes and ears. He’ll be disappointed with that.”
Suarez surprised some by not holding back on his goal celebrations after starring for Liverpool from 2011-2014.
Ferdinand, though, was quick to praise the 32-year-old as the “perfect centre-forward” for his ever-sharp poaching.
The ex-Manchester United centre-back hailed Messi‘s darting genius and added: “The finish from Suarez was beautiful.
“Jordi Alba’s pass is brilliant. Suarez is the perfect centre-forward.”
