Managing the Game Time of Van Dijk and Salah in Their 30s
Introduction:
The Euro 2024 tournament was a grueling experience for many footballers, lacking excitement, energy, and quality. While Ollie Watkins’ last-gasp winner for England provided a rare high point, the image of a desolate and exhausted Virgil van Dijk stood behind him. Van Dijk’s post-match comments about his future in club and international football have sparked concerns among Liverpool supporters. As he turns 33, it is likely that he is considering international retirement. This raises questions about how new Liverpool manager Arne Slot can manage the game time of two key players well into their 30s.
Future Planning:
Van Dijk’s emotional comments about the end of the season and his uncertain future have led to speculation about his next move. However, it is more likely that he is contemplating international retirement after a long and tough year. Liverpool secretly hopes that Euro 2024 marked Van Dijk’s farewell appearance for the national side. Managing the game time of both Van Dijk and Salah will be one of Slot’s biggest challenges in his first season.
First Names on the Team Sheet:
Liverpool has successfully brought down the average age of the squad in recent times, but they still heavily rely on Van Dijk and Salah. Van Dijk featured more than any other Liverpool player in the previous season, accumulating a total of 4,072 minutes, including international matches. Salah also saw significant action, recording 3,132 minutes. However, their game time was managed to some extent, thanks to Europa League matches that allowed for rotation. This respite had a positive impact on both players, especially Van Dijk, who regained his best form.
The Benefits of Rotation:
Next season, managing game time will become more challenging due to the return to the Champions League and its changing format. Slot will have to convince Van Dijk and Salah of the benefits of rotation, particularly in domestic cup competitions. Comparing their performance between August and February to the end of the season, it is evident that fatigue affected their form. However, the absence of Salah from the Olympics provides a huge relief for Liverpool.
The Injury List Will Prove Decisive:
Rotation is dependent on the players’ fitness. Liverpool’s injury record last season was concerning, but the appointment of Ruben Peeters as lead physical performance coach brings hope for improvement. Peeters, known for his expertise in “periodization,” will play a pivotal role in managing the fitness and training load of the players. His track record at Feyenoord, where player availability exceeded 90%, makes him a valuable addition to Slot’s backroom team.
Conclusion:
As Van Dijk takes a well-deserved holiday and contemplates his future, he must consider how to achieve more by doing less. Managing the game time of both Van Dijk and Salah will be crucial for Liverpool’s success in the upcoming season. With new additions to the squad and a focus on rotation and player fitness, Arne Slot has a challenging task ahead to ensure the longevity and performance of these key players in their 30s.