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Wenger, Ferdinand slam 'criminal' Liverpool defender Van Dijk for Suarez goal

Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has been slammed over Barcelona's first goal last night scored by Luis Suarez.

Rio 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.

And ex-Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger laid into Van Dijk for not following Suarez, claiming the defender "refused" to respond to the situation.

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."

And Wenger, working for BeINsports, said: "It is very interesting because Van Dijk covers but he should go with Suarez to cover that ball.

"Especially from a central defender with that quality, he lets him go. From the start, his position is not bad but he refuses to respond."

Barcelona went onto win the first-leg of their Champions League semifinal 3-0.

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