Could Liverpool really team up Virgil van Dijk and Matthijs de Ligt at Anfield?
Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has told De Telegraaf in the Netherlands that he thinks the club’s scouts will be watching Ajax defender Matthijs de Ligt – and he would give his opinion if any deal materialised.
Previously seen as a fragile side at the back under Jurgen Klopp and predecessor Brendan Rodgers, Liverpool have become a completely different team since bringing in Van Dijk from Southampton in January.
The 27-year-old centre back has been exceptional in the heart of the Liverpool defence, justifying Klopp’s decision to splash the cash to bring him to Anfield earlier this year.
So far, Joe Gomez has emerged as Van Dijk’s centre back partner with Liverpool, and whilst he is touted for stardom, Van Dijk may be playing with an even better young defender for the Netherlands.
Ajax ace De Ligt has enjoyed a meteoric rise over the last two years, having racked up more than 70 first-team appearances for Ajax, captained the Amsterdam giants, played in a Europa League final and earned 11 caps for the Netherlands.
De Ligt is in line for more against France and Germany this week, where he will again be expected to play alongside Van Dijk, in what is becoming a solid partnership for Ronald Koeman – even with Stefan de Vrij also at his disposal.
Now, Van Dijk has been asked about De Ligt possibly joining him at Liverpool in an unlikely move given Gomez’s potential, and the Reds star suggested that the club will most likely already be scouting De Ligt, and he will offer his opinion if Liverpool ask for it on the 19-year-old ace.
“He will be on the lists, because they have enough scouts at the club,” said Van Dijk. “No, but if they need my opinion at Liverpool, I’ll give it,” he added when asked if he would be pushing for the Reds to sign De Ligt.
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