Liverpool’s defence is one of the best in Europe for a number of reasons.
Their formidable, dominating back line sees them press high up the pitch in a high-risk, high-reward strategy that has brought success to the club.
Two of the backline were signed in 2018 with goalkeeper Alisson arriving in the summer whilst Virgil van Dijk signed in the January window from Southampton.
Fast forward to the present and van Dijk is considered the best centre-back in world football and he’s backed up by an impressive defensive line-up.
The hard work continues 💪🇦🇹 #LFCPreSeason pic.twitter.com/5ovqnBd4jY
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 23, 2022
Van Dijk on Liverpool’s ‘quality’ in defence
The Liverpool titan was quick to compliment the rest of his defensive teammates in an interview with Liverpool’s official website during their current pre-season tour in Austria.
His thoughts echo his manager’s comments, where he claimed he had four world-class centre-backs in his squad; van Dijk also claimed that the backline was ‘full of quality’
“It’s quite special to have these boys around and also as partners around, full of quality,” Van Dijk told Liverpoolfc.com.
“Different qualities, each and every one of us, but we complement each other very well.
“The relationship we all have together is also a very big thing; we really enjoy the hard work and we all want the same goal and that’s winning games.
“Whoever is playing, we support each other, in every single competition. That’s key to success, so hopefully we can keep that going.”
Jurgen Klopp:
"We have four of the best centre-backs in the world, we have the two best left and right-backs plus Kostas Tsimikas, Calvin [Ramsay], Milly who can play there." #lfc [sky] pic.twitter.com/6zAc7WQ6CV
— Anfield Watch (@AnfieldWatch) July 11, 2022
Van Dijk on Joe Gomez
The Dutch international also spoke about Joe Gomez who recently signed a new long term to stay at the club until 2027.
Van Dijk formed a ruthless partnership with the Englishman in the 2019/20 season as the pair formed the basis for Liverpool’s Premier League triumph. He’s now backing Gomez to bounce back from his unlucky spell of injuries.
“We spoke about it before he signed the deal and I’m just very happy that he’s staying at the club, staying with me. Also I’m happy for the club that he’s signed,” said the Dutchman.
“He is, in my opinion, [one of] if not the best English centre-back around. Obviously we’ve both been very unlucky with the injuries we had. Obviously his time will come again and hopefully this season he can show that.”
