RIO FERDINAND left fans baffled during the Merseyside derby - by obsessing over Virgil van Dijk's flowing locks. The ex-England defender, 46, joined the TNT Sports commentary crew for the big game at Goodison Park. Ferdinand was alongside Ally McCoist and Darren Fletcher in the TV gantry on co-comms duty. The 46-year-old urged Everton forward Beto to get more aggressive on Liverpool skipper Van Dijk during a thrilling first half.
![[Rio Ferdinand, TNT Sports pundit, at a UEFA Champions League match.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2025-tnt-sports-pundit-rio-967817920_fc3c8c.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
Van Dijk sported his usual locks, gelling back his long hair into a bun. But Ferdinand indicated he wanted Beto to "ruffle him up" and get more involved in a physical battle. The former Man Utd defender then bizarrely said: "I don’t want Van Dijk’s hair all pristine and nicely gelled. "I want it ruffled and over his face.". Ferdinand would go on to mention the Dutchman's hair again before the half-time whistle - prompting a flood of comments on social media.
![[Virgil van Dijk clapping during a soccer match.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2025-liverpools-virgil-van-dijk-971449638.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
One fan responded on X: "Rio’s obsession with Virgil’s hair is concerning.". BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS. Another said: "The main thing I’ve learnt so far is that Rio Ferdinand has a weird obsession with Van Dijk’s hair.". While a third joked: "Can you sack Rio Ferdinand mid game please lads? If he mentions Van Dijk's hair one more time I'll scream.". A fourth laughed: "This has to be the weirdest commentary ever.".
![[Everton's Beto and Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk contesting a header during a Premier League match.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/mi-news-sport-alamy-live-971466903.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
And a fifth drily added: "And people say punditry is dead?". On the field, it was a feisty affair at Goodison during a frantic first 45 minutes. Beto put the Toffees into an early lead, finishing brilliantly after Liverpool fell asleep at a freekick. But a teasing Mo Salah cross was headed in by Alexis Macallister to level the scores at the break. Referee Michael Oliver was kept busy as both sides launched themselves into tackles.
