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Legendary Arsenal Striker Had This To Say About Liverpool’s Pursuit Of Netherlands Ace

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By Sridhar Bhamidi

Ian Wright has warned Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp that Liverpool need more signings than just Virgil van Dijk, to address their problems.

Klopp saw his side draw 3-3 at Watford in their season opener, which was a reflection of their continuing defensive frailties. All the three Watford goals were because of defensive errors – poor marking led to Stefano Okaka’s first, ineffective backtracking contributed to Abdoulaye Doucoure’s second while shambolic defending from a corner caused Miguel Britos’ late equaliser.

Problems with defending set pieces continue to haunt the Reds as they search for answers to their defensive woes. Their interest in Southampton centre-back Van Dijk has been constant all through the summer and it looks like signing him is vital now than ever.

Former Arsenal striker Wright feels that the Reds need more defensive signings than just Van Dijk to answer their problems.

“They’re really trying for Virgil van Dijk,” Wright told BBC Radio 5 Live (h/t theSportReview). “[But] you have to say they need more.”

Liverpool have already signed winger Mohamed Salah and striker Dominic Solanke, who have looked a cut above the rest in the pre-season. Hull City defender Andy Robertson also joined in the summer and would solve the left-back problem for Klopp.

Virgil van Dijk
Virgil van Dijk

Leader At The Back

Honestly, Wright has hit the right chord and it definitely needs more than just Van Dijk to solve Klopp’s problems. Against Watford over the weekend, Liverpool’s worries at set pieces and zonal marking hit them hard.

Most of the last season saw Liverpool play contrastingly on either side of the pitch. In the final third, our quality was brilliant, with goals coming almost at will against any defence. But on the other hand, our defence was pretty pathetic, leaking embarrassing goals.

Klopp certainly knows that to challenge for Premier League title, we need to stop leaking goals, in addition to scoring them. Anything above 35 goals conceded in a season will seriously hamper our charge.

The manager would need a leader at the back and Van Dijk would certainly provide that. His towering presence would help in set pieces as well but Liverpool are crying for more defensive reinforcements.

What do you think? Will Klopp go for more defensive signings?