Liverpool FC news: Virgil Van Dijk can solve defensive woes
Liverpool FC news: Reds on the cusp of signing Southampton defender Virgil Van Dijk if widespread reports are to be believed.
Liverpool FC news: Manager Jurgen Klopp is set to sign Van Dijk according to multiple outlets and Sky Sports report that a source close to the player understands he’s keen on joining Klopp’s side.
The news follows weeks of speculation over Van Dijk’s interest in the Anfield side with earlier reports stating that Liverpool had ended their pursuit for the Dutch defender. This was due to Southampton complaining to the FA that Liverpool had been ‘tapping-up’ the player.
Liverpool FC news earlier had that Jurgen Klopp phoned the defender multiple times explaining how he’d fit in at Anfield.
However, now that the storm has passed, it’s believed that Liverpool are still eager to get the 26-year-old for a fee of around £70 million according to multiple reports.
Van Dijk could be the last piece to complete the defensive jigsaw puzzle in Jurgen Klopp’s side. Liverpool have struggled defensively since Klopp took over despite scoring a lot of goals. Their defensive frailty cost them multiple games last season as they struggled to keep clean sheets.
The towering six foot-four defender is highly regarded in the footballing world due to his composure and calmness in the center of defence for Southampton and the Dutch national team.
His ball playing abilities and passing from the defence is also highly regarded and would suit Liverpool’s style of play. Liverpool like to play out from the back, with their wing-backs surging forward where the center-backs can pick out a long-ball pass.
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However, Southampton are reluctant to sell another one of their stars though after having sold many of their stars in the past to Liverpool FC. It seems that now after the tapping-up allegations, the relationship between the two clubs has been frayed. But, if Van Dijk tries to force a move, it’s understood Southampton would be willing to sell despite the defender having a contract until 2022. This puts Southampton in a powerful bargaining position and would expect at least £70 million for him at least.
Van Dijk could form a powerful partnership with Joel Matip or Dejan Lovren in the center of defence and would hopefully, for Reds fans, bring about some clean sheets next season. Liverpool FC would have been a contender for the title last season if they had sorted out their defence.
Their front three of Coutinho, Mane and Firmino was a scary proposition for opponents with speed, vision and goal scoring abundantly displayed throughout the season. Mix ups in the defence, getting caught in the counter attack with the center backs caught out of position on a regular basis was the major thorn in Jurgen Klopp’s attacking side.
The fact that Southampton got 14 clean sheets compared to Liverpool’s nine clean sheets despite the Saints finishing lower in the Premier League table should make Liverpool’s defensive woes clear.
Van Dijk would introduce a level of positional awareness, leadership and defending abilities of course to Liverpool which would make them an almost complete team.
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If Liverpool get their man expect them to fight all the way to the end for the Premier League title.