“He’s not the same player” – Paulo Di Canio believes Inter Milan could take advantage of Liverpool star’s weakness

“He’s not the same player” – Paulo Di Canio believes Inter Milan could take advantage of Liverpool star’s weakness

Former Italian international Paulo Di Canio believes Inter Milan have what it takes to edge over the reds in the Round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League.

The two teams are set for the challenge in what promises to be an exciting knockout stage clash, and Di Canio agrees that the two sides are equally matched ahead of the game.

“Had it been in October or November, when the English sides tend to give their best, I’d have bet less on Inter. Inter do still have an international level this season, as they only lost against Real Madrid due to a lack of clinical finishing, not certainly ideas or style.”

The 53-year-old pointed out Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk as a player whose weakness Inter Milan could exploit, indicating that the Dutchman hasn’t been the same player since returning from an ACL injury sustained in the 2020-21 season.

Virgil van Dijk . ( Photo by Getty Images)

“At this stage of the season, Liverpool have some small cracks in the armor that can be exploited. The Liverpool of two years ago had an impenetrable defense, as Virgil van Dijk improved everyone around him.
since returning from injury, he’s not the same player and therefore the whole team concedes more.

“Liverpool keep conceding the same dangerous opportunities nowadays, vertical balls behind the defenders, who then start their runs late. That lack of focus is where Inter can hurt them.

“If you also look at Van Dijk’s body language, he used to move his arms to bring the full-backs tighter, but now he just flails his arms, complaining and looking frustrated with his team-mates.”

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