"I'm not sure about Liverpool's chances of winning," Henry commented on CBS Sports' analysis program. "They have conceded too many goals this season and need to improve. In the Champions League, it's difficult to win if you concede so much."

In their Champions League opener at Anfield on 17/9, Liverpool started brightly, taking a 2-0 lead after just six minutes thanks to goals from Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah. However, Marcos Llorente then scored twice to level the score for Atletico. It wasn't until injury time in the second half that Virgil van Dijk secured a 3-2 victory with a powerful header.

Virgil van Dijk celebrates his winning goal in Liverpool's 3-2 Champions League victory over Atletico Madrid at Anfield, Liverpool, Merseyside, England, on 17/9/2025. Photo: Reuters

Virgil van Dijk celebrates his winning goal in Liverpool's 3-2 Champions League victory over Atletico Madrid at Anfield, Liverpool, Merseyside, England, on 17/9/2025. Photo: Reuters

In the first four rounds of the Premier League, Liverpool also secured victories with decisive goals scored in the last 10 minutes or later. Manager Arne Slot's side defeated Bournemouth 4-2 (goals from Federico Chiesa in the 88th minute and Salah in the fourth minute of added time), Newcastle 3-2 (Rio Ngumoha in the tenth minute of added time), Arsenal 1-0 (Dominik Szoboszlai in the 83rd minute), and Burnley 1-0 (Salah in the fifth minute of added time).

"They beat Bournemouth, Newcastle, Burnley, and even Atletico late in the game. Against Arsenal, too," Henry added. "You need to find a way to win, and Liverpool are doing that. But if they want to go far in the Champions League, they have to defend better."

While Henry focused on the weaknesses, former center-back Jamie Carragher praised Liverpool's current captain. With the winning goal against Atletico, Van Dijk reached 25 headed goals for Liverpool – six more than any other defender in Europe's top five leagues since the Dutch center-back joined Liverpool in 1/2018.

"I don't just call Van Dijk an excellent center-back," Carragher commented. "At Liverpool, many are called legends because they win titles. But when I think of Van Dijk, I think of a stature on par with Stevie Gerrard, Kenny Dalglish, Souness, Hansen, or John Barnes. He's not just the best center-back, but one of the greatest players ever to wear the Liverpool shirt.”

On 20/9, Liverpool will continue their campaign at Anfield against Everton in the fifth round of the Premier League.

Compiled by Hong Duy