Liverpool have scored goals for fun like a title winning team this season but they have also conceded goals like a bottom half team.
Klopp’s poor defense is the main reason why the Reds have not been able to keep up with the likes of Chelsea and Tottenham in the Premier League title race.
They are in pole position to earn Champions League qualification and must sign a world class central defender in the summer transfer window, someone who would be the leader of their back line next season.
The Merseysiders do need to sign a center forward as well and Lacazette (via Mirror via RMC) has been linked, however, the priority signing should be of a strong center half and they must lure Southampton’s Virgil van Dijk.
The 25-year-old Dutch defender has earned praise for his fantastic performances for the Saints this season. Van Dijk has been injured since January but when fit, he was arguably the best defender in the Premier League.
Not so long ago, former Liverpool manager Rodgers stated (Talksport):
“He’s (Van Dijk) 6ft 4in, he’s fast, he can play, he’s an international footballer, he’s good in the air – he’s got everything.”
Recently, Liverpool legend John Barnes has claimed that the £50million rated ($64.5million) defender is a top quality star and would be a good signing for the Anfield club. Moreover, he stated (Express):
“If it takes spending £50m to get Van Dijk and Klopp wants to do that and believes that’s the right deal for the club then I’d back him.”
This season, the Netherlands star has featured in 21 league games for Southampton and helped them keep 8 clean sheets.
He is also a threat in the attacking third from set piece situations and has netted 4 goals in 30 appearances (all competitions) this season. The former Celtic star has what it takes to stabilize Liverpool’s defense and should replace Lovren, who has been inconsistent but recently signed a new deal with the club.
Also Read: Liverpool’s Strongest Possible 4-3-3 XI vs Watford
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Every warrior has a technique, every temple a Buddha. So in football, every coach has a system. At the same time, each fan has what attracts him or her to a particular star or team. Am beginning to wonder why Klopp will go for Van D. even when is poised to be this expensive. What is going to be his his role in the lfc ‘s defence? Has Klopp decided to play to Van’s way if he is brought to LFC? Let me make it clear here that we are a very mobile setup. Unlike Southampton that Van is playing for right now. He can be as good as he can be for them since they sit deep and defend. We do not play that way here in LFC. We move out like bees harassing our opponents. As such we leave spaces behind. In this situation, will Van Dirk become a great wall that will block all those spaces when it eventually opens up? I do not think so. Will he not join in the systematic pressings that we are known for? My advice to Klopp is that he should get good defenders and work the philosophy of mass defence into every attacks at all times. This will be more productive that spending £50 million on one player from a club who don’t play the way we do. He is a good defender but he will not make a great difference without a great team of midfielders and wingers.
I havd a feeling we won’t go for Van Dijk. I don’t see us paying £50 mill and although I don’t question his ability I would be worried about weather he could stay injury free or not . £50 mill is a lot to pay for any defender especially one that gets injured and under Klopps training and tactics we need very robust players otherwise it’s money not well spent . Oxlade chamberlain is another one that would worry me for staying fit purposes.
I prefer Keane rather than Van Dijk as Center Back
VVD is a good player. But for £50M that’s exorbitant.
We can get other cheaper players two or three for that amount and be able to do the job.
Let Chelsea or City spend that kind of money on a defender as they are known for buying
titles like that. That’s not The Liverpool way. Yes we need quality and talent but not that way.
@ 50 Mill he’s way too expensive, and as Adonay says he wouldn’t fit our system.