Liverpool’s defending has been abysmal this season, and the Dutchman would undoubtedly be a fantastic addition to the side.
Reds legend Mark Lawrenson spoke exclusively to Newstalk’s Off the Ball Daily Sports Breakfast Show today, and claimed that his former club will sign Saints centre-back Virgil van Dijk either in January or during the summer transfer window.
Liverpool have been mightily impressive going forward this season, but their defensive displays have been shambolic, with their tally of 18 goals conceded in the Premier League being the worst record from the top seven teams in the division.
Jürgen Klopp has received heavy criticism for failing to bolster his defensive ranks during the summer, but that is a little harsh, considering the fact that the German was desperate to bring the 26-year-old Dutchman to Anfield.
Click HERE to read: BBC pundit claims £70 million ace wants to join Liverpool
And Lawrenson, who made 241 league appearances for Liverpool, shared his belief that his former club will sign Van Dijk within the next seven months, when speaking exclusively to NewsTalk:
“He knows there is work to be done. Maybe if not in January, next year, Van Dijk will come and sign for Liverpool. They will improve.”
Whether the Southampton man does eventually move to Merseyside or not, one thing that is painfully clear to see is that Klopp needs to improve the manner in which his side defend.
They are often caught out of position, with absolutely no shape or discipline, and it doesn’t matter who Liverpool sign, if Klopp does not instil a certain level of defensive responsibilty into his team, they will continue to struggle to win major honours.
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