Liverpool have made a blistering start to the Premier League season, and their defence looks every bit as good as their insatiable attack.
Last campaign the Reds shipped in 38 league goals, more than Spurs and just one less than Burnley; this term, Jurgen Klopp’s men are yet to concede a single goal and have faced just six shots on target.
Just as the spotlight fell on Mohamed Salah last season for all the right reasons, it also shone in the face of the Merseyside club’s beleaguered defence for all the wrong reasons. However, Klopp is a progressive manager, and he has now addressed Liverpool’s defensive vulnerabilities by signing Virgil van Dijk and Alisson; both have acquitted themselves expertly so far.
But had the German tactician succeeded in prising Van Dijk away from the St Mary’s Stadium earlier, then Loris Karius may still be the No 1 gloveman between the sticks, and here is why.
The Van Dijk effect: Defensive stability
Since making his debut against Swansea City in January, Van Dijk has brought an air of assurance and reliability to Klopp’s back-line, so much so that the shots Liverpool have faced per game since the start of the 2017/18 Premier League campaign have been reduced by 1.3 shots, meaning his presence has significantly alleviated pressure for the man between the sticks.
Liverpool have now faced 119 shots (including blocks) on their goal since Van Dijk’s debut, averaging just 6.61 per game while, prior to his introduction, the Reds had faced 182 shots on their goal at an average of 7.91 per game since last term’s opening match against Watford. That’s a 1.3 swing.
This season, the 27-year-old has been a bulwark against opposition attacks, allowing just two shots per game to so far test the club’s new Brazilian shot-stopper; with West Ham, Crystal Palace and Brighton firing collective blanks.
In fact, since making his debut in the aforementioned match against the Swans, no player has been involved in more Premier League clean sheets than Van Dijk, with the former Southampton man keeping 10 clean sheets and only conceding nine goals in 17 outings for the club.
Such has been the impact of £75m man that Liverpool have now kept seven consecutive clean sheets at home in the Premier League for the first time since the 2006/07 season. Van Dijk has played every minute of those games, and the Reds have not conceded at Anfield since February.
Has Klopp found his new Mats Hummels?
Jurgen Klopp’s high-octane ‘gegenpressing’ system came to prominence during his time as manager of Borussia Dortmund; the high-intensity style of play was epitomised by his central defender’s ability to set the tone for their tempo of play and initiate attacks.
Mats Hummels was integral to the philosophy, offering a unique ability to not only play the ball out from the back, but also to defend with a scheming intelligence. His physical prowess is in the mould of Van Dijk – with both players standing at 6ft 4in – and they can both play football with the skill of a midfielder.
This is epitomised by Van Dijk’s confidence on the ball, as well as his calmness; for Liverpool last season, the Dutch defender averaged 0.1 unsuccessful touches per 90; Lovren (0.3 per 90), Matip (0.5 per 90) and Klaven (0.4 per 90) were not as cool with the ball at their feet.
Van Dijk is Klopp football incarante, on account of his ability to transition the ball up the pitch effectively and precisely. For the Dutchman, this grants carte blanche to bring the ball out from the back and link defence to midfield.
Aerially, both players are also dominant forces, as no centre-back averaged more successful aerial duels last season at Liverpool than Van Dijk (5.6 per 90). Not one of Lovren (4.4 per 90), Matip (2.6 per 90) or Klaven (2.6 per 90) could hold a candle to the Dutchman.
His physical supremacy has already been evident this season, as the club won 13 aerial duels against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, with Van Dijk responsible for nine of them.
Such is the influence of Van Dijk that Southampton’s demise has also coincided with his move from the club; last season no centre-back (per 90) averaged more shots blocked (1.2 per 90), more interceptions (2.6 per 90), more clearances (7 per 90), more successful passes (57.5 per 90), more aerial duels won (5.4 per 90) or conceded the least amount of fouls (0.5 per 90) than Van Dijk – his influence is palpable and Liverpool are reaping the rewards.
The post The Van Dijk influence: Why Alisson will enjoy an easier ride at Liverpool than Karius appeared first on Squawka News.
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