Van Dijk’s form even before his injury was poor and he was again very flat as Real Madrid beat Liverpool 5-2 at Anfield earlier this week.
The Liverpool defence has struggled this season, with or without the Dutchman, in the ongoing campaign, but Dutch legend Gullit insisted that Van Dijk has been especially poor since returning from injury.
The former Netherlands star believes that the centre-back has become more passive in his defending and has not been committing to tackles and blocks like he used to.
He admitted that players can go through bad form but insisted that Van Dijk needs to show leadership and take responsibility for Liverpool’s bad defending.
Gullit told Dutch broadcaster Ziggo Sport: “Since he came back after his injury, he has been defending passively.
“He was defending and blocking a bit like a skater. He just didn’t go full on it.
“And of course, he can have a bad period but he has to be a leader.
“If that defence is not doing well, it is his responsibility.”
Van Dijk is likely to start when Liverpool take on Crystal Palace in a Premier League clash at Selhurst Park tonight.
