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Liverpool captain responds to being the best defense in the league

Liverpool defender and captain Virgil van Dijk responds to being the best defense in the league

After the 1-0 win at Selhurst Park, Liverpool has kept yet another clean sheet in the Premier League this season. Seven games later, The Reds stand out as the best defence in the Premier League.

The Liverpool defence alongside Alisson Becker have been doing their job well. However, Alisson suffered a significant blow against Crystal Palace as the goalkeeper ended the game prematurely.

The Brazilian has been struck with a hamstring injury and went off in the 79th minute. There was also Alexis Mac Allister who picked up a groin injury at Selhurst Park.

Despite the setbacks, central defenders Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté will continue to play a significant role at the heart of the defence.

Is that right?

-Virgil van Dijk

This was Van Dijk’s reaction after he was informed that Liverpool has the best defence statistically in the league right now. This was The Reds’ fifth clean sheet in the Premier League.

Callum Hudson-Odoi and Rayan Ait-Nouri are the only players in the Premier League who have scored against Liverpool this season.

I think obviously we scored a fantastic goal. We could have done better in the second half, but we knew they’d come out with a bit of pressure on the ball. It ends our run on a high before the internationals.

-Virgil van Dijk

The Liverpool Defence under Arne Slot

Ibrahima Konaté continues to play a significant role in the Liverpool defense under Arne Slot

Ibrahima Konaté continues to play a significant role in the Liverpool defence under Arne Slot

Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté have been arguably the most important defensive figures under Arne Slot. Both have transitioned smoothly into Slot’s system following the departure of Jürgen Klopp.

Just like Klopp, Slot also prefers a high-line defence with an emphasis on pressing high up the field. When the ball is lost, the formation immediately turns rigid to block the opponent’s space.

We keep going and we keep working. We are never satisfied. We needed [Alisson] twice, but that is what we try to avoid. Everyone is contributing to clean sheets.

-Arne Slot

The return of Konaté has also been one of the most instrumental aspects in Liverpool’s defensive success this season. The French defender’s physicality and ability to read the game have helped The Reds immensely.

His pairing with Van Dijk has garnered evident success. Both the defenders’ abilities allow Liverpool to maintain a high line confidently.

Alisson also plays a key role with his sweeper-keeper abilities. All three players are also quick on their feet, handling the ball confidently at the heart of Liverpool’s defence.