Jurgen Klopp: A new starting line-up needed in the absence of Virgil van Dijk
By Varun Aithal
Jurgen Klopp has been forced to change plans and tactics now that he’s without key figure, Virgil van Dijk.
Liverpool gaffer, Jurgen Klopp admitted that he is looking to build a new line-up for the ongoing season as his world-record signing, Virgil van Dijk was met with a horrific injury in the Merseyside derby.
After the collision with Everton goalkeeper, Jordan Pickford, the Netherlands international picked up a horrific ACL injury that can rule the player out of action for a period of up to nine months. The manager has tried multiple players and rotated his bench on a couple of occasions to fill the void left by van Dijk.
Virgil van Dijk will undergo surgery on the knee injury sustained during Saturday’s 2-2 draw at @Everton.
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) October 18, 2020
Following surgery, Virgil will begin a rehabilitation programme to enable him to reach full fitness as soon as possible.
You'll come back stronger, @VirgilvDijk 💪
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Talking to the press, the former Borussia Dortmund manager said that any team across the globe/Europe would miss the presence of an imposing defender like VVD He said:
"Every team in the world would miss Virgil van Dijk. He is the best centre-half in the world. You have to build a new line-up, which is difficult to do. Joel Matip was injured too."
Liverpool have always relied on their fullbacks to provide the width in their attack and they were less burdened with defensive duties. The likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold has been accused of his poor defending against counter-attacking opposition.
He said:
"Fabinho as the six plays at centre-back. Trent and Robbo, they are all not used to each other but they will get better. We don’t expect perfection just not too far from it.Everybody needs time to replace a player [like Virgil]. Everyone needs time to replace a massive player or person, but so far we did OK. (Via: The Mirror)"
In the midst of the bad news, Klopp is happy with the recovery of Alisson. The Brazillian picked up a shoulder injury in a training session before the Merseyside derby. The player was ruled out for a period of four to six weeks but he recovered quite well and ahead of time.
The manager updated:
"It is good to be back. I am really happy. I had the top physios on my side to help me accelerate the recovery process.“When the doctor said four to six weeks, I said ‘No doctor – we should go for two or three weeks maximum.’ We went for it and I’m happy to be back."
Premier League weekend recap. dark. Next
Liverpool registered a 2-1 victory over Sheffield United over the weekend in the English Premier League and will face Midtjylland in the Champions League group stage fixture on Tuesday. In the Premier League, they face an upbeat West Ham United on Saturday at Anfield.