Liverpool have been labelled as the favourites to sign Southampton superstar Virgil Van Dijk in January. Following a dramatic transfer saga in the summer, the Reds are still keen to sign the highly rated defender, who’s destined for a move away from Southampton in the January transfer window.
Liverpool were forced to make an apology to Saints after their failed attempt to sign the £70million-rated Dutch centre-back in the summer. However, Jurgen Klopp has recently given a green signal to make a new bid for Van Dijk in the winter, according to latest reports.
Virgil Van Dijk has been one of the few players Liverpool fans have been pleading for a long time now. A lot of criticism about their transfer policies emerged when the Reds failed to finalize a deal for the defender this summer. And the failed transfer did hurt Liverpool as their defensive futility is clearly evident this season.
Liverpool have lacked a quality centre back for a long time now. The current defensive partnership of Dejan Lovren and Joel Matip has looked very uncomfortable this season, often making awful mistakes throughout the course of this season.
Even though former Schalke captain Joel Matip’s performance in the Premier League has been acceptable, it’s Dejan Lovren, who has been one of the most criticized Liverpool players in recent memory. And the Serbian defender is definitely not a reliable option at the back.
Therefore, it’s clearly evident that Jurgen Klopp desperately needs a quality and reliable partner for Joel Matip in the backline and that’s where Virgil Van Dijk comes into the fray.
The Dutch International has all the qualities needed to thrive in the Premier League. However, it’s not only his defensive solidity which stirs attention, it’s his ability to influence the game from the back which makes him a unique component in the backline.
The 25-year-old is blessed with immense ball playing abilities and considering the fact that Jurgen Klopp likes to play a high octane pressing scheme, the ball playing qualities of Van Dijk will only be a bonus for the Reds. Furthermore, the Southampton defender is also known for his aerial prowess, meaning he can always be a danger from set-pieces.
Virgil Van Dijk has the potential to bring back the defensive solidity Liverpool have been lacking all season. In addition, he is also one of those special players who can add more spine to the team, ultimately helping the team play with more passion and vigour.
