Liverpool still need defensive reinforcements says former Red

Liverpool still need defensive reinforcements says former Red

Liverpool are still in dire need to defensive reinforcements despite signing Virgil Van Dijk last month, says former Red Didi Hamann.

Jurgen Klopp acquired the services of Van Dijk from Southampton just after the New Year for a club record fee of £75 million – a world record for a defender.

The Dutchman has had a solid start to his career at Anfield – including scoring the winner in the merseyside derby on his debut – however Hamann insists it’s still not enough for his former club.

“[The defence has] been an issue for a long time,” he told Omnisport.

“I think Van Dijk will improve them, I think he brings pace and a physical presence to the team but I think they lack a holding midfielder.

Van Dijk is Liverpool’s record signing at £75 million.

“I think they’ve lacked that holding midfielder for a while now so unless they bring in someone who really protects the back four.”

Since Van Dijk’s move, Liverpool have had a mixed bag of results. Wins against league leaders Manchester City and Everton have been dampened by a shock defeats to first Swansea and then West Brom only days later.

And while Hamann says Van Dijk’s presence has helped, Liverpool still must do more if they want to compete with the league’s best.

“I think Van Dijk will improve them but not as much as I think they need to be improved to really challenge for titles on a consistent basis.”

Barnaby Lane

Barnaby Lane

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