Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk has lauded the club for the signing of ‘world-class’ midfield duo Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szobozslai.
Van Dijk has been impressed with the performances of the new summer signings as Jurgen Klopp looks to revamp his engine room after the exits of James Milner, Naby Keita, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
The German also lost his skipper Jordan Henderson and Fabinho who both completed their transfer to Saudi Arabia despite being in Klopp’s plans for the new season.
Mac Allister and Szobozslai are expected to play a crucial role for the Reds who are keen on securing Champions League football and winning titles this campaign.
“The players who left us were big characters in the squad, on and off the pitch,” said Van Dijk.
“That is something we all have to fill in again. The boys who are coming in are of a world-class level in my opinion. We see Macca and Dom and it is incredible how they operate especially with the ball and try and get used to the way we defend as well.
“That is a work in progress but there are roles to be filled and taken over and everyone has to do it in their own way, and I am very confident that will happen. There have been players leaving who have played a big part in the success, but others have to step up. That’s a nice challenge, in my opinion.”
Liverpool rounded off their pre-season preparations with a 3-1 win over Darmstadt on Mondy night.
The Reds conceded 11 goals in five friendly games, raising eyebrows about their defence ahead of the new season but the Netherlands defender claims talks have taken place to address the defensive issues.
“We defend all together,” he added. “It is not just the midfield or the strikers or just the defenders, it is about the way we try and put the opponent under pressure. If they are under pressure they cannot play the ball in behind so easily and you are prepared for it.
“If you watch it very black-and-white then obviously when you concede goals it is the defenders or the goalkeeper’s fault. But the way in which we conceded the last couple of goals, the balls in behind were not defended well and we discussed that.
“Especially on Sunday and the day before, we had a long video meeting and looked at the last line. It was very helpful, the way you are positioning and you have to be ready for the balls in behind and when teams smell the danger is there they will go for it. It was a good meeting the other day, very clear and very direct and that is what we need in order to be successful.”
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