Who Will Be Virgil van Dijk’s First-Choice Partner at the Heart of Liverpool’s Defence?
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has revealed that the race to be Virgil van Dijk’s first-choice partner at the heart of the Reds’ defence remains open. Ibrahima Konate returned for another outing in the Europa League on Thursday, having lost out to Joel Matip for a Premier League start against Tottenham at the weekend.
Klopp has suggested that this early-season rotation policy is down to the pair’s tendency to pick up muscle injuries when asked to feature in back-to-back games during what is a typically busy period. However, he has also hinted that a preferred pairing may emerge after the upcoming international break, although he has made no decisions over who it might be. Joe Gomez has also merited a mention after a strong start.
In a press conference, Klopp said: “We don’t make a difference between league games and cup games, we just play football. We want to win the next football game ahead of us so that means I didn’t make a decision who plays. I know that they can all play together. The boys had a little bit of history when they play too often and they then get injured. We had that in the past and we tried to share the really high intense part as long as it’s possible. Maybe after the international break it is not possible anymore and then two centre-halves play all the games, that’s possible as well. Nobody won the race, nobody lost the race. Joe Gomez played super at right-back and played centre-half as well, so it means they are all there and we need them all. I didn’t make a decision, it’s just about who’s now ready to go and, after the international break, I hope they all come back. First we play Brighton but then we give them all to their different countries and then will make a decision for the next game.”
The Contenders
Ibrahima Konate is a 21-year-old French centre-back who joined Liverpool from RB Leipzig in May 2021. He is known for his strength, speed, and ability to read the game, and he has already made an impression in his short time at Anfield. He has featured in both Premier League and Europa League matches this season, and he is widely regarded as one of the most promising young defenders in Europe.
Joel Matip is a 29-year-old Cameroonian centre-back who joined Liverpool from Schalke 04 in 2016. He has been an integral part of the Reds’ defence since then, and he is known for his excellent passing ability, aerial prowess, and defensive awareness. He has featured in both Premier League and Europa League matches this season, and he is widely regarded as one of the most reliable defenders in Europe.
Joe Gomez is a 23-year-old English centre-back who joined Liverpool from Charlton Athletic in 2015. He is known for his excellent defensive ability, passing range, and aerial prowess. He has featured in both Premier League and Europa League matches this season, and he is widely regarded as one of the most promising young defenders in Europe.
The Verdict
It remains to be seen who will be Virgil van Dijk’s first-choice partner at the heart of Liverpool’s defence. All three contenders have shown their quality this season, and it is clear that Klopp has a difficult decision to make. He will no doubt take into account each player’s strengths and weaknesses when making his decision, as well as their injury records and availability for selection.
Whichever player Klopp chooses, they will have big shoes to fill as they look to form a formidable partnership with Van Dijk at the back. It will be an exciting battle to watch over the coming weeks and months, and it will be fascinating to see who comes out on top in the race to become Van Dijk’s first-choice partner at the heart of Liverpool’s defence.