Dutchman must already fear for his starting place in the Premier League: 'He was dreadful!'

Kjell Scherpen has come in for heavy criticism in England after Ipswich Town's 0-2 defeat to Liverpool. The 26-year-old goalkeeper was at fault for both of Alexander Isak's goals and has been heavily criticised by both the BBC and supporters of the promoted club.

The BBC gave Scherpen a 4, making it one of his harshest ratings. The British broadcaster was especially critical of his part in the opening goal, although it also noted that the 26-year-old recovered to some extent later on with a few decent saves.

Fan account Tractor Boys Talk was no kinder, handing him a 4.5. "He made a couple of decent saves, but the goalkeeping for both goals was very weak," was the verdict, with particular criticism aimed at his hesitant attempt for the 0-1 and his positioning for the second goal.

After only a few minutes, the opening goal went wrong for him. Cody Gakpo picked out Isak after a strong piece of play, and the Swede hit it hard. Scherpen got a touch on the ball but could not keep it out, and Liverpool had the lead.

Shortly afterwards, Scherpen looked exposed again. Gakpo sent Isak through with the outside of his foot, the striker beat his opponent and slid the ball underneath the Dutchman, who had come a long way off his line: within ten minutes, Ipswich were 0-2 down.

On X, the reaction quickly turned. One supporter wrote: "I defended Scherpen when everyone doubted him, but yesterday was terrible. I don't think it will be long before Walton is under the bar." Another fan made it even more painful: "Scherpen woke up today and chose uselessness."

Supporters have also picked apart his role in the goals. "That ball cannot go in. It's not easy to get down quickly when you're 2.06 metres tall, but Scherpen was already there for it," one said, while another Ipswich follower stated: "He made two big mistakes, both because he did not get down quickly enough. With his height, that remains a concern."

Tractor Boys Talk went a step further and said second-choice Christian Walton should be given a chance in goal for the next match. Walton was still Ipswich's first-choice keeper last season. "Get rid of Scherpen," was the verdict.

Some, however, are not ready to write Scherpen off straight away. Before half-time, the goalkeeper stopped Liverpool extending their lead with saves from Dominik Szoboszlai efforts, and one fan called for patience: "He didn't play great, but we have to keep backing him. He made good saves as well."