Babbel explains why Van Dijk struggles weren’t his fault

Former coach Markus Babbel has spoken out to defend Virgil van Dijk, explaining that the Dutch defender's recent struggles were not the result of personal failings but rather due to external factors beyond his control. Babbel, who has previously worked with van Dijk, suggested that systemic or tactical issues within the team environment played a significant role in the center-back's dip in form. The comments come as van Dijk has faced scrutiny from fans and pundits following a series of performances that fell below his typically high standards.