Nobody would argue that losing Virgil Van Dijk wasn’t a major hit to Liverpool’s title defence. He was more than a centre back, more than a defender in many ways, leading the attack on set pieces and bringing a passing game that could start offensive moves from Liverpool’s half. In the 2018/19 season, no one managed to record a successful dribble past him; Arsenal’s Nicholas Pepe was the first to do that in 50 games back at the start of the 2019/20 season. You read that right. His conduct was impeccable too, he’s received one yellow and no red cards in the Premier League.
As far as centre backs go, Liverpool was blessed with the most dominant, complete defender in Europe. So, the moment Jordan Pickford clattered into him, injuring his ACL and leaving him sidelined for potentially the rest of the season. Obviously, panic sets in. Then add in the injury of Fabinho, the versatile and technical defensive midfielder, capable of slotting in the back four – in a similar way to Fernandinho over in Manchester. Liverpool are naturally depleted in a key area.
Fans were running through the academy books, noting Rhys Williams – an untested teenager and unlikely to be able to provide the protection necessary. Ex-Stuttgart loanee Nate Phillips made a debut, putting in a great performance himself, although perhaps not enough to settle all doubts. Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool will be under no illusions that a plan is needed if they are going to compete on the same level as the year previous. With January rapidly approaching, their one shot to bring in a fresh replacement, it’s a critical moment for the Reds. It could be one that makes or breaks their season – it’s worth considering options available to them.
Take the risk
Naturally, Klopp could choose to do absolutely nothing in the window. There’s no doubt they have defenders who could stand-in. As mentioned, Philipps and Williams are both young and, typically, hungry to impress. The debut performance of Phillips – one that won him a Man Of The Match award – was a physical display as good as any. On the other hand, a lot of what Van Dijk could bring, including the implicit confidence his teammates could play with knowing he was in the side, is difficult to impart as an untested ex-loanee.
Tweaking the formation, for example, dropping a defender and pushing a 3-4-3 is an option too. It adds an extra layer of security while also making sure there isn’t too much pressure on Joe Gomez, and it also allows Andrew Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold to fly forwards as wing-backs.
Cashing in?
A loan or new signing is likely a fan’s favourite choice but carries with it a number of pros and cons. Certainly, it wouldn’t be a headline signature they’d be chasing. Ideally, it’s a highly experienced, older defender who can quickly slot in and provide all of the basic needs Liverpool have. Perhaps the only downside of such a dynamic player like Van Dijk is how much you lose when he’s gone. Options with Premier League experience who are either not playing regularly or in lower demand, like Jan Vertonghen or Sokratis, could be very low-risk in comparison to handing a young player their first chance.
It’s a difficult period for Anfield as a whole. Even once Fabinho returns, the replacement of Van Dijk means much of what Fabinho brings normally has to be sacrificed. Liverpool’s odds of winning the title currently sit around 13/5 based on the latest Premier League betting figures. It’s a sign of quality competition from teams like City and Chelsea who are desperate to attack a weakened Liverpool team’s progress while they can.
Critical moments in the season like the Christmas break aren’t periods where teams can take many chances – something Klopp will know. Dropping points now risks falling off the pace before the competitions begin wrapping up and focus sets firmly on league position.
The most obvious takeaway from all this is that Van Dijk is far more valuable to Liverpool on two feet than he is having knee surgery. The sooner he returns, the better.