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BAMozzy posted an update 7 years, 4 months ago
Here is what Carragher has said about VVD and defending for LFC under Klopp.
On the face of it, Van Dijk faces a tough challenge at Liverpool because of the team’s attacking intent and the consequences that brings for the defenders. Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher made that point himself recently.
“I always think how difficult it would be to play for Jurgen Klopp at centre-back,” Carragher told Sky Sports. “I don’t think there is a top-class holding midfielder and if your full-backs are leaving you isolated as well then it is not easy.”
Something I have made the point about over and over again. With two ‘wing backs’ rather than full backs and no ‘dedicated’ holding midfielder, we often leave our CB’s very exposed and make it easy for the attacking opposition to find space, to pull those CB’s out of position and to have ‘easier’ opportunities to score.
That was ‘clear’ against Arsenal with the quality they possess in attack – also clear against Spurs and Man City too earlier this year. The gap between defence and midfield, the lack of players getting back to help close down space, get the block or tackle costs us a LOT of points.
VVD is great for not making individual errors and great at the 1 v1 situation BUT he can’t be in all places at once. If he has to go to the ball because the midfielder hasn’t come back, he is out of position, If he doesn’t then the player has time and space to create or score himself.
A fully focused VVD is an asset – no doubt – but he may stop the odd goal (instead of drawing 3-3 we win 3-2) which would be a bonus, but he isn’t suddenly going to make us impenetrable.
Don’t get me wrong, I think its a great acquisition and the cost could prove ‘worth it’ if we win Silverware BUT I think a ‘dedicated’ holding/defensive midfielder of quality would make more difference – could even make Lovren look ‘good’ LOL.
We are short of quality at CB – especially as Gomez is being utilised at RB because of Clyne (not sure Clyne would get in the team now). Gomez is quality (saw that when Eng played Brazil) but maybe a little inexperienced to be ‘consistent’. Lovren and Matip both have had a number of ‘short term’ injuries that keep them out for a few weeks or so – so much so we had Gini at CB in one game with Milner. A quality CB was desperately needed but I do think a CDM is vitally important too…
Wonder if we will do more business this January?