Liverpool star "not at peak of his power" but he's the best Klopp has

Amid links to central defenders, discussion online among fans has centred around the longevity of Liverpool's centre-backs options. Yet, there should be no doubt over Virgil van Dijk's quality.

When Ibrahima Konate joined the club for £36 million in 2021, he arrived at the club with Joel Matip in form, Joe Gomez beginning to return to his best playing days and Virgil van Dijk returning from an ACL injury.

Fast forward to October 2023 and Liverpool's centre-back options aren't inspiring much hope for the future despite Jurgen Klopp not being short on talent at the heart of his defence.

Jurgen Klopp's centre-back problem

After signing four new midfielders, you'd expect the conversation to be mostly centered around them.

However, despite concerns over Alexis Mac Allister in the no.6 role, the summer's midfield rebuild seems to have gone according to plan even if another midfielder is needed.

Van Dijk has been good this season by my standards. Has he been perfect? No.

His red card against Newcastle (which was harsh) was a poor decision from the officials but it was a mistake from the Dutchman. He made a panicked call to challenge Aleksandr Isak from the angle he did and while the red card was harsh, it was perhaps a wake up call the skipper needed.

Since he has been in fine form for the Reds and much like his former self.

Matip has been struggling for form while Gomez has also been out of sorts. Both have struggled with injury over the years which has a lot to do with their respective declines.

Konate is still a player with potential and arguably has the best chance of remaining as a Liverpool starter in the long term.

Van Dijk and Liverpool centre-backs put under the spotlight

Journalist Toby Cudworth, speaking to Talking Transfers podcast, said that he believes van Dijk is the best Klopp has even if the options beyond him aren't lighting the Premier League on fire.

“I think centre-back is crucial to Liverpool right now. Van Dijk is not at the peak of his powers but is still the best option they’ve got,” he said.

“Konate has struggled with injuries. Matip is very up and down in terms of consistency of performance.

“And Joe Gomez is on the periphery, he fills in at right-back every now and again, but I don’t think he has got the trust of Klopp.

“Unfortunately I don’t think he has the ability for what Liverpool needs to continue being in the title mix.”

What can van Dijk do to improve?

While I believe criticism of the skipper to be overboard, he certainly can still improve.

The main issue I've noted since his return from tearing his ACL is that he seems to play with fear.

I may be entirely wrong but it seems as though the aggression, arrogance and force that made him so terrifying for attacks to face has gone.

His pace also doesn't seem to be what it used to be. That said, if van Dijk can return to his aggressive best, Liverpool's chances of winning silverware will be enhanced.