Liverpool: Jurgen Klopp given major Virgil Van Dijk boost
By Bence Bocsak
The Liverpool boss was given some good news.
There was a grimace, then a frown of concern on Jurgen Klopp’s face as he watched Virgil Van Dijk amble off the pitch at Goodison Park. The Liverpool boss was clearly troubled by the injury of one of his biggest stars.
Van Dijk has been the linchpin of the Reds’ side for time.
The news of his long term injury is a major blow to Liverpool and one the club might struggle to cope with.
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Like Klopp said, the Reds will ‘wait’ for Van Dijk.
However that could be a long time.
The club were reluctant to specify a specific time, however it is likely that the Dutchman will miss the rest of the Reds’ season.
While Gomez and Fabinho deputised well in place of Van Dijk against Ajax Amsterdam on Wednesday night, their frailties were exposed at Goodison Park.
The partnership’s lack of aerial presence could be an area to exploit for the opposition and it could leave the club dropping vital points as they look to retain the Premier League title.
With such a lengthy period on the side-lines, many have speculated whether Virgil Van Dijk will be able to return to his best when he does recover from his injury.
There has even been rumours of the club replacing Van Dijk with a younger player.
However, in Alan Shearer‘s latest column for the Athletic via the Daily Express the former Premier League forward backed Van Dijk to make a full recover and come back stronger.
Shearer’s words will be reassuring for concerned Reds supporters. Shearer recounted his experiences of an ACL injury as proof.
"“The good news is that Van Dijk will be back as good as ever, as quick and as sharp and proficient.“An anterior cruciate ligament injury is no longer career-threatening as it was in the 1980s and before.“I came back from mine and immediately had the best three goalscoring seasons of my life.”"
As the days go by, Liverpool will get just an inch closer to the return of Virgil Van Dijk. The club will be reluctant to rush him back, but the sooner he is back the better it is for the Reds.
Of course, there will always be speculation, but the words of a player like Alan Shearer to dismiss doubts of Van Dijk’s ability will be a major boost to Jurgen Klopp.
The club will have to be patient with the Dutchman, but given time Van Dijk will certainly be back to his best.
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Do you think Virgil Van Dijk will be the same as before?