Liverpool will reportedly join the race to sign Southampton's star centre-back Virgil van Dijk this summer, with manager Jurgen Klopp said to be keen to strengthen his defensive options. According to Dominic King of the Daily Mail, the German coach is a big admirer of the Saints star, who shone in the Premier League this term before his recent injury layoff. Manchester City, Chelsea and Everton are also all said to be ready to make their move for the Netherlands international. "Liverpool are prepared to spend heavier than they have ever done before to get their manager the additions he wants," continued King The defensive side of the team is an area the Reds need to improve, with slack work at the back often undoing their brilliant attacking. Leanne Prescott of Anfield HQ believes Van Dijk would fit the bill for Liverpool The nature of the Reds' attacking play not only means Liverpool need an improvement in defence, but a particular type of centre-back. Often Klopp's side have been picked off on the break by sharp attackers who have isolated centre-backs. Liverpool require a defender who is quick, adept in one-on-one battles and aggressive. And when he was in the Southampton side earlier on in the season that's what Van Dijk showcased at Saints Additionally, the Dutchman is a colossus in the air and a tremendous distributor. It's not a massive surprise to see so many of the Premier League's biggest clubs interested in him. For Liverpool, he'd make a massive difference and could be a fine partner for either Joel Matip or Dejan Lovren. However, given the calibre of clubs that are said to be looking to sign the 25-year-old, luring him to Anfield is unlikely to be straightforward. Klopp has refused to offer Liverpool forward Daniel Sturridge any guarantees over his future at the football club after a testing campaign for the England international.
I'd take VvD in a heartbeat. I'd also have Sahko back to the club (on condition he behaves himself). Our defence is awful. You cannot win this league with a crocked defence. Ask Brendan Rogers.....who was the last person to experience this. Chelsea and Spurs this year or Leicester last year and Chelsea agin the year before....go back as far as you like, leaky defending does not win titles. Klopp has to change things, his high pressing game is good most of the time and we dominate games but we need a much better back line AND a world class midfielder who tidies things up in front of them. Top class full backs also need to be on the shopping list. Although TAA might be the answer on the right. Both sides of the pitch. Teams are generally happy to let us have the ball in wide positions as we rarely do f*ck all with it from those positions. We also need more up front. Beyond our current front 3, we have Origi. That's it. Sturridge is finished. Would love a player that has pace, presses and is an aerial threat....but not many of them about. GK can wait, Mignolet's distribution needs to improve but he's been solid recently so we should spend elsewhere imo. If we get CL, This would be my wish list: Bring back Sahko 1 x CB 2 x LB I'll Give TAA the be fit of doubt on the right but it may still be too early for him. 1 x DCM 1 x creative CM 1 x RAM/winger - Mane cover 1 x 20plus goal a season forward. A Sturridge type who's prepared to put a shift in will do.
I can assure you he isn't mate He was very good last season and has just improved even more with time. Comfortably one of the best cbs in the league. Can't see your board stumping that much for a cb though. City or Chelsea for me.
Erm...you are probably right but do you mind allowing us to hope until it is not physically possible please? Thanks
Nothing wrong with the individuals in our defence (although granted they could be better), it's the lack of protection that makes us ****. Our midfield doesn't offer a shield, nor can it maintain possession and control a game.
Totally agree about the shield but much of that is down to the high pressing game we employ. A 3-4-3 might suit us better with the right players in the team.
Have a Mascherano / Kante type in they're and the pressing doesn't change but we'd be much better defensively. Of course, that won't alter how **** we are at set-pieces.
No mate - the individuals are just as bad. We actually concede very few shots because of our attack and midfield who all put in a great shift. It's not perfect but our team defends from the front. The defenders are shocking.
Am not sure it's as simple as this. We score so many because our midfield and attackers all put in a shift, close down and win the ball in dangerous areas. But if you beat the press, there's acres of space to attack and our defence is not that quick. Personally, I believe it's all about balance. Having a pacey defence and a Kante type player protecting them will be a good start but if we still attack with 7 players, we'll always get stretched! Sloppy mistakes and defending set pieces is something different again.....and the latter needs to be drilled into the team.....our lack of progress here has been my biggest disappointment with Klopp.
