HOT OR NOT: Virgil van Dijk's long-awaited return after his injury hell is a huge boost for Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp... while South Africa's Rassie Erasmus did not cover himself in glory in the first Lions Test By Daniel Matthews For The Daily Mail Published: 22:35 BST, 30 July 2021 | Updated: 22:37 BST, 30 July 2021 Viewcomments It's Hot or Not time as Sportsmail's DANIEL MATTHEWS tells us what's been making him feel warm and what's left him feeling cold this week... HOT VIRGIL VAN DIJK Nine months after Jordan Pickford chopped him in half, Van Dijk returned to Liverpool first-team action in a friendly against Hertha Berlin. So did centre back partner Joe Gomez. What a boost for Jurgen Klopp. Inspirational defender Virgil van Dijk has provided a huge boost to Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp LEWIS HAMILTON Remember when Bernie Ecclestone questioned Hamilton's fighting spirit? Well, whatever you think of his driving, Hamilton's refusal to shirk important battles endures. Now he is unafraid to prod governments. Ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix, Hamilton branded the country's proposed 'anti-LGBT+' law unacceptable and cowardly. He never was one who stuck to sport. And we should all be grateful for it. LUTALO MUHAMMAD Team GB's pursuit of taekwondo gold was a tale of oh-so-nears. Few viewers had any idea what they were watching. But we were all gripped, thanks in large part to Muhammad in the BBC studio. The double Olympic medallist was charming, authoritative and insightful. Ex-Team GB star Lutalo Muhammad reacts in disbelief as Bianca Walkden loses to Lee Da-bin NOT RASSIE ERASMUS Wealways hear about that fine line and where it sits between genius and barmy. Quite where we place Rassie Erasmus after the past few days is anyone's guess. World Rugby 'noted' the hour-long monologue in which the Springboks director of rugby railed against the refereeing in the first Lions Test. The whole thing was bonkers and rather unbecoming. BRITISH ROWING The time for recrimination was always going to come — Britain's worst Olympic regatta since 1976 could not pass without a period of introspection. But no one wins when the mud-slinging begins before the oars are even dry. 'Smug' predecessors, coaches accused of 'destroying' athletes… not a good look. Team GB endured their worst Olympic regatta performance since 1976 The ROC You cannot blame the Russian athletes: all 335 of them, decked out in those 'neutral' colours of red, white and blue. They have been allowed to compete, some were always going to triumph. But the sight of 'ROC' towards the top of the Tokyo medal table is not the greatest advert for these Games — or the fight against state-sponsored doping. Share or comment on this article: All rights reserved for this news site (dailymail) and under his responsibility