The whole problem this season for Liverpool is that Van Dijk is not playing. it is a big mess in their defense every game.
Liverpool problem was not Van Dijk; a team should never struggle because a defender was injured; Liverpool and Klopp tactics were simply exposed this season in the premier league; high line, cross and hope for a goal tactics was outwitted this season. Klopp has bought 2 new defenders this January and has failed to score more than 1 goal at Anfield this season; how are the problem the defense ?
Liverpool face Aston Villa this weekend after a 7-2 first leg drubbing; How will Liverpool perform? Who will be blamed this time ?
That's right, I wouldn't blame one or two Liverpool players for their decline near the end of the season. If you are concerned about a defender why not the other way around, such as a bad striker because it is difficult to score goals or the cooperation between a midfielder and a striker is not solid. There are many factors that make a team's performance decline and it's not just about one or two players, because after all the ups and downs and inconsistency of every player on the field is bound to happen.