These five players could replace Van Dijk.
With the confirmation of Virgil Van Dijk’s long term injury at Liverpool, the Reds will need to reassess their options.
The Dutchman might not play again this season which means that as soon as the January transfer window opens, Liverpool might be forced to delve into the transfer market.
However, they could also promote from within and use their talented academy players in order to fill the gaping abyss at the heart of the club’s defence in Van Dijk’s absence.
Either way Jurgen Klopp has a tough decision to make.
Here are five options he could solve his current predicament.
Dayot Upamecano
By far the clearest option and the one which is probably the closest to a like for like replacement for Virgil Van Dijk.
The Reds have been linked with a move for the 21 year old centre-back for next summer, however with the club’s current predicament, it is fair to assume if Liverpool are truly interested in the Frenchman they will accelerate their move in January.
A cool and calm defender, with the aerial presence and strength that is reminiscent of Van Dijk. The acquisition of Upamecano would not only solve the club’s issue in the short term but could be one that would assure the Reds’ future for the next decade.
Upamecano is clear leader and he has been RB Leipzig’s standout performer over the last few seasons. He really blossomed under Julian Nagelsmann. The German outfit will be reluctant to sell but they have shown before that they are not adverse to letting their best players go.
Billy Koumetio
From an expensive signing to one that wouldn’t cost the Reds a penny, another solution might be for Jurgen Klopp to promote from within.
The German has a high regard for the 17 year old French centre-back and Koumetio regularly trained with the club’s first team in preparation for the new season.
He featured in the club’s first team during pre-season friendlies and didn’t look completely out of place.
His commanding presence and bulky figure is reminiscent of Van Dijk.
However, Koumetio needs to improve his distribution as he has often been caught out of possession both in academy games and in the first team. Such dire errors could be costly for the Reds.
Koumetio is an excellent long term option, but perhaps he might not be ready for a first team appearance just yet.