Virgil van Dijk might be the most expensive signing in our club’s history but his performances have not all been too convincing as the Dutchman still needs time to adapt to our playing style. The 26-year-old did make a £75m move in the winter transfer window after his summer move was blocked at the start of the season due to a bit of a mess created by our transfer team.
Van Dijk did start his career well with a winning goal against Everton in the FA Cup but he hasn’t played in all our games. Didi Hamann commented on Van Dijk and believes that we need to add more players to our the team.
The former Red when he was speaking to Omnisport (h/t Liverpool Echo) and said:
“[The defence has] been an issue for a long time. I think Van Dijk will improve them, I think he brings pace and a physical presence to the team but I think they lack a holding midfielder.”
Hamann would know about playing in the midfield, as a change in the 2005 Champions League final changed our fortunes and helped us win the title by beating Milan.
The German also added that Van Dijk would improve, when given time, and that this player is a requirement if we are to win any titles.
“I think they’ve lacked that holding midfielder for a while now so unless they bring in someone who really protects the back four.
“I think Van Dijk will improve them but not as much as I think they need to be improved to really challenge for titles on a consistent basis.”
Van Dijk did struggle in our two games against West Bromwich Albion and Swansea, which were two losses against lower placed opposition. He also conceded a penalty earlier in the day against Tottenham, although it is debatable.
Truth be told, the Dutchman needs more time in the team if he is to get better. He did spend a lot of time away from training when he was suspended by the Saints at the start of the season.
Hamann does make sense as we need a quality holding midfielder, something that Klopp would know too. We are going to get Naby Keita next season but he too is not someone who stays in the middle of the park and is more accustomed to making big runs into the box.
Emre Can is a player that Keita would be looking to replace and hopefully, the dynamic of our midfield will change next season to give us more impetus in the attack and in our defence too as we look to win a trophy or two.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rospWseGZQQ
