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Liverpool news: ‘He’s still not the finished article’ - Virgil van Dijk verdict delivered
LIVERPOOL star Virgil van Dijk has no obvious flaws in his game, but he’s still not quite the complete player.
Liverpool: Van Dijk brought confidence to team says Nicol
That is the scary prediction of Sky Sports pundit Stuart Pearce, who has watched Van Dijk’s progress from afar.
Van Dijk joined Liverpool from Southampton in a deal worth £75million and has been colossal at the back.
The Dutchman has made an impressive start to the campaign and has struck up a solid partnership with Joe Gomez and their performances in the 2-0 win over Crystal Palace caught the eye.
Liverpool are widely expected to mount a serious title challenge to Manchester City.
While the likes of Mohamed Salah continually lap up the plaudits, Pearce is convinced that Van Dijk is the missing piece in the jigsaw that can help the Reds win the Premier League.
“We spoke earlier about Thierry Henry and not wanting to play against him, because he can run quicker than you and he’s big and clever,” Pearce said on Sky Sports’ The Debate when assessing Van Dijk’s strengths.
“Physically you can’t intimidate Van Dijk. He’s quicker than you.
“His range of passing is good. He’s no slouch on the ball.
I think he’s got the best years in front of him. He’s not the finished article at the moment.
“He reads the game well. There’s very few things where you look at his game and think there’s a weakness there.
“I think he’s got the best years in front of him.
“He’s not the finished article at the moment.
“Liverpool have been crying out for a couple of years to strengthen their defence and goalkeeper.
“Klopp has been put the pieces in place to challenge for the title.”
Although the Reds still have Dejan Lovren to return from injury, Martin Keown believes Klopp should stick with Gomez and Van Dijk.
He said: “Liverpool have Dejan [Lovren] to return but it is important they stick with these two. A brilliant defensive pairing is the cornerstone of a winning team.
“Van Dijk and Gomez have the makings of an outstanding partnership.”