Virgil van Dijk just told Liverpool they need to sign a striker. This messaging came after Liverpool's crushing Community Shield loss.
Virgil van Dijk was the man of the moment, for all the wrong reasons, against Crystal Palace at Wembley Stadium yesterday. The Dutch defender was at fault for both of the conceded goals, as his defensive composure was not up to its usual standard.
Instead of remaining positionally aware and holding the line, van Dijk came charging forward and left lots of space for Crystal Palace to exploit, which they did.
Often his own harshest critic, VvD doesn't need to be told where he went wrong. He's already reminded himself one hundred times in the mirror.
However, even the defender doesn't want to take full responsibility for his team's shortcomings. In a valid post-match crashout, Van Dijk told the Liverpool hierarchy exactly what they need to be taken seriously.
Virgil van Dijk thinks Liverpool need a new striker
In his own words, Virgil van Dijk said: “I hate losing and I’ve lost my last two games at Wembley.”
He also said: “We need a new striker. We just lost Darwin Nuñez… I think there’s always room for an attacker in order to strengthen us.”
It's hard to argue with Virgil van Dijk here. Of course, Liverpool fans can be blown away by how well the new signings, especially Hugo Ekitike, have adapted already. However, the depth is not up to standard in the attack, and Liverpool needs to address this.
In many ways, Virgil van Dijk is speaking for the Liverpool fans. They have been crying out for another striker, even before Darwin was sold. Now he's been sold, though, that need is only intensified.
In an ideal world, that new signing would be Alexander Isak. At this point in time, it seems like he's the only logical signing that would make Liverpool compete for the Premier League title again next season.
However, the world is far less than ideal whenever Newcastle is involved. The Magpies couldn't secure a top transfer target if their life depended on it, which impacts Liverpool's pursuit of a new striker.
So, we know, Virgil. You're preaching to the choir here. Let's hope that the board listens to Virgil, and ups their effort before the league season begins.