Another transfer window, another Southampton player linked with a move to Anfield.
After an impressive two seasons in the Premier League, Virgil van Dijk has emerged as a priority signing for Jurgen Klopp’s team this summer. The Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United-linked man is almost certain to leave Southampton and could cost a fee in excess of £50 million, but what would he offer to Liverpool?
For starters, the Dutchman has an incredible physical stature, standing at six foot four in height. This is the physical dominance that Liverpool lack and a large part of the reason why we concede from so many set pieces. Speaking of which, his presence in the box gives us a much needed threat, particularly by scoring from corners – something we have not done enough of this season.
Not only is his height outstanding for a centre back, but his strength is up there with some of the best in the league. With his pace and power, he will undoubtedly be able to deal with some of the most physical strikers; Diego Costa and Zlatan Ibrahimovic among others.
Another important aspect is his injury record, or lack of one. Despite missing the majority of the second half of the season due to an ankle injury he sustained in January, he consistently played a huge amount of Southampton’s games, playing 34 times during the 2015/16 season and 21 out of a possible 23 games this season before his injury.
Defensively, Van Dijk is one of the best in the league. Per 90 minutes, Van Dijk wins an average amount of 1.46 tackles and 4.67 aerial duels, as well as making 2.72 interceptions and 6.80 clearances. Also, arguably most importantly, he has made only two defensive errors since arriving in English football back in 2015; none of which have led to a goal. He statistically outnumbers not only Liverpool’s current defenders, but some of the best defenders in the Premier League, with his interceptions and aerial duels won per 90 minutes incomparable with others.
Another huge aspect to the Dutchman’s game is his Premier League experience. We have seen it countless times before – a defender who has some success in another league comes to the Premier League and flops.
Eliaquim Mangala, Nicolas Otamendi and Federico Fazio all spring to mind. The fact that Van Dijk already posseses the knowledge of how to succeed in the Premier League, as well as already adapting to the physical needs of it, makes him the most desirable contender for the centre back position. This doesn’t mean he will instantly settle in though, as we have seen it the opposite way round. Dejan Lovren and John Stones were both were very good for the previous respective clubs, however both have struggled after their big money moves.
Van Dijk will not be a guaranteed success, however he is a player we must take the gamble on, rather than risking him moving to another club. In my opinion, as well as on paper, he is the perfect player to fill in that centre back position, most likely taking Lovren’s position alongside the impressive Joel Matip as the first choice partnership.
