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Rio Ferdinand has slammed Virgil van Dijk's "static" defending that lead to Barcelona taking the lead against Liverpool .

Former Reds striker Luis Suarez opened the scoring for the Catalan giants in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final.

He found space in front of the PFA Player of the Year to toe-poke home, and Manchester United legend Ferdinand - who called the Holland international the best centre-back on the planet ahead of the game - thinks Van Dijk should have done better.

"Virgil van Dijk here, he is at fault," said Ferdinand on BT Sport.

(Image: BT Sport)

"He can see Suarez there, he is pointing where he wants it. It's not rocket scienes. It's right in front of him.

"That's your man, the number nine on the back of his shirt, static. Virgil van Dijk there, static. And that's criminal in that position.

(Image: REUTERS)

"He has got to be Matip's eyes and ears. Move Matip to where you want to maybe stop the ball in the first instance but if not, you have to go with your man there.

"And he will be disappointed with that I am sure."