Virgil van Dijk acknowledges that Liverpool's new look backline requires time to adapt

Anweshan Ghosh
7 hours ago
2 min read

Liverpool are heading into the new Premier League season with a new backline, led by skipper Virgil van Dijk.

He has admitted that the new defenders will need time and maximum game time, and the fans must be patient before it reaches its full potential.

The departures of Ibrahima Konate and Andy Robertson had left the Reds reeling at the backline before Liverpool signed Ronald Araujo on loan and young French centre-back Jérémy Jacquet.

Van Dijk acknowledges that a new backline cannot understand each other at the very beginning, and it'll take time to gel.

The Liverpool captain feels that playing more games with each other is the key to developing chemistry.

“By playing games,” Van Dijk told reporters when asked how he could develop partnerships with the new arrivals.

Centre-backs rely a lot on their defensive partners, especially in situations when their partner will step forward, when to hold the defensive line, who takes responsibility for an opposing runner and how to hold the shape when a team loses possession.

Liverpool's new signings have played a game together. Araujo and Jaquet both featured in the Reds' 2-0 win over Como, with Jaquet also scoring a goal.

It was a bright start for the new signings, but even though it's just a pre-season friendly, Van Dijk knows from his experience that adjusting to a new atmosphere with new teammates is difficult and it takes time.

The Dutch international also highlighted that Jaquet’s English is better than Araujo's, Como, but language barriers shouldn't be a major problem, as professional footballers can understand defensive communication by simply understanding the game.

“It’s pretty clear that you need to form a connection together and take a bit of time," said Van Dijk, acknowledging that an adjustment period is normal for new players. (sic)

The Reds had finished fifth last season, which led to the sacking of Arne Slot and the arrival of Andoni Iraola. Liverpool will be looking to improve in this campaign significantly.

Their first league game will be Newcastle United away from home on August 23. For Van Dijk, the challenge is equally demanding, as he will be playing alongside new teammates rather than Konate, who was already set alongside him.

However, there's quality in the new signings, with Araujo bringing experience from FC Barcelona and Uruguay’s national team.

Van Dijk understands that Liverpool are going to rebuild this season, and it may not provide results right at the start, and the fans must be patient.