Real Madrid and Barcelona lock horns to steal Liverpool duo

Real Madrid's French coach Zinedine Zidane (L) embraces Liverpool's German manager Jurgen Klopp (R) prior to the UEFA Champions League final football match between Liverpool and Real Madrid at the Olympic Stadium in Kiev, Ukraine, on May 26, 2018. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP) (Photo credit should read FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images)
Real Madrid's French coach Zinedine Zidane (L) embraces Liverpool's German manager Jurgen Klopp (R) prior to the UEFA Champions League final football match between Liverpool and Real Madrid at the Olympic Stadium in Kiev, Ukraine, on May 26, 2018. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP) (Photo credit should read FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images)

Who saw this one coming?!

Liverpool are the best team in Europe right now, I kid you not. They are performing better than Real Madrid and Barcelona have in a long time. Not only are they champions of Europe but they are also extremely dominant domestically, keeping their 100% record in the Premier League to keep them at the top. It’s all thanks to Jurgen Klopp and his players.

According to AS, they will run the risk of losing not only Klopp, but their most important player. That’s right, the Spanish outlet reports that both Jurgen Klopp and Virgil van Dijk are “top priorities” for Real Madrid and Barcelona.

AS is a trusted source in Spain and they have been on the ball about a number of big headlines in recent seasons. This is a big claim, sure. Liverpool are in an excellent position not to worry, however, I would not brush aside this rumour.

Real Madrid could do with some defensive work

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Real Madrid have learned a lot from their opening four fixtures. They are yet to lose a game, however, they are also yet to keep a clean sheet. In fact, they have conceded six goals, the worst of any of the top six.

If they are serious about retaining their title as champions of Europe, then there’s nobody better to learn from than Liverpool. They suffered defensively for many seasons, however, they fixed it with one man; Virgil van Dijk.

The Dutch international is the best defender in the world currently and it’s been that way for consecutive seasons now. He is incredibly hard to dribble past and his work in the air goes without saying. With him in the defence, he really could improve any side. There’s no wonder Real Madrid are looking to prioritise him.

As for Jurgen Klopp, he has proven all he needs to prove now. The lack of trophies won with Liverpool was an area of concern, however, he silenced those doubters by winning the biggest trophy in club football. That said, he could easily manage at the level of Real Madrid or Barcelona.

Liverpool are not in any situation of desperacy. In fact, it would be stupid of them to even consider letting go of Klopp or van Dijk. However, when the Spanish giants come calling, there’s bound to be even an ounce of doubt.

Can you see either Jurgen Klopp or Vvirgil van Dijk in Spain anytime soon?