5 signings who could have won Liverpool the League this year

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JANUARY 21: Jurgen Klopp, Manager of Liverpool reacts during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Swansea City at Anfield on January 21, 2017 in Liverpool, England.  (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool needed a few more signings to win the League this year

#2 Virgil van Dijk

NORWICH, ENGLAND - JANUARY 07:  Virgil van Dijk of Southampton reacts during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Norwich City and Southampton at Carrow Road on January 7, 2017 in Norwich, England.  (Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images)
Virgil van Dijk is one of the best defenders in the Premier League.

Ever since Jamie Carragher retired and Daniel Agger left the club, Liverpool have been defensively suspect. Although Mamadou Sakho was an able replacement, he breached certain team rules and was subsequently banished by Klopp. The German manager brought in Joel Matip from Schalke on a free transfer and his composure, reading of the game and technical ability has made a positive impact at the club.

youtube-cover

(Video Courtesy: WorldOfFootballHD YouTube Channel)

However, it is the lack of a similar, consistent defensive partner that has led to defensive errors and conceding of easy goals that could have been otherwise avoided. Dejan Lovren continues to blow hot and cold and has been struck by injuries as well, Ragnar Klavan was only bought as experienced squad cover and Joe Gomez is still reaching full fitness after a major injury.

The fact that defensive midfielder Lucas Leiva is being played at centre-back to mixed results underlines the problem further.

Virgil van Dijk stands head and shoulders above the Liverpool defenders this season. (Comparison data from Squawka.com)

This is where signing Southampton centre-back Virgil van Dijk last summer would have immensely helped the side. Looking at the statistics above, it is abundantly clear that the Dutchman is head and shoulders above the Liverpool defenders and it is no surprise either as he has been one of the best defenders in the league for the past two seasons with his strength, defensive prowess and leadership serving the Saints well.

Combining Joel Matip with van Dijk would have been a masterstroke in solving Liverpool’s defensive issues, as the adage goes, “Great strikers win matches but great defences win championships.”

Page 1
PREV 2 / 5 NEXT

Quick Links

Edited by Staff Editor