Liverpool Included in the Chase for Top-Dollar Van Dijk
By Paul Drake
It has been previously reported that Liverpool desire the services of Southampton defender, Virgil Van Dijk. The Saints know what they have and are reported to be demanding £50 million for Van Dijk.
If the Reds sign Van Dijk it would break their record for largest fee spent on a player. The previous recorded according to the Echo is £35 million paid to Newcastle United for Andy Carroll in January 2011. The £50 million reported to be requested by Southampton would destroy the previous record, but is Van Dijk worth it?
Jurgen Klopp upgraded the Reds attack last summer with Sadio Mane. This summer Klopp will be on the tear again to fix his horrible defense. Van Dijk would add stout defense to the Reds backline. But Liverpool will not be alone in the pursuit of Van Dijk. The Echo reports that Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester City and Everton are all chasing the Dutch international.
What Would Van Dijk Bring to Anfield?
It is clear that Van Dijk is a top target for Klopp. The Reds defense has been inconsistent and porous this season, making too many mistakes. Just see last Sunday’s 2-1 loss to Crystal Palace as an example. The Reds boss must fix this problem if his squad wants to return to European competition.
The Saints defender has been sidelined with a foot injury since January. Yet, that has not stopped him from putting up considerable numbers this season.
This season the Southampton defender has made 21 appearances, averaging 10 important defensive actions per game, passing with 84% accuracy, and even creating five chances. What is even more revealing is Van Dijk wins 55% of his tackles, 75% of his aerial duels and 100% of his take-ons!
These types of statistics are consistent with the Saints defender two seasons in the Premier League. He is still young and has a lot of talent to show on the pitch. This certainly merits him to be in future discussions with the likes of Aleksander Kolarov, Gary Cahill, and Jan Vertonghen.
If Klopp’s side do qualify for the Champions League they will need Van Dijk and others on the pitch to make the Reds competitive. It helps that as the Echo reported, Van Dijk wants to play Champions League football next season and will consider that as he decides where to go this summer. So, Liverpool have a chance!
Next: Are Liverpool's Champions League chances blown?
All statistical information provided by Squawka.com