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Liverpool legend Nicol tells Klopp to make big selection decision with Van Dijk
LIVERPOOL boss Jurgen Klopp must make Joel Matip the long-term partner for new £75million signing Virgil van Dijk.
Alejandro Moreno: Van Dijk doesn't solve Liverpool's issues
That is the opinion of ESPN FC pundit and former Liverpool right-back Steve Nicol.
Van Dijk made his debut for the Reds last night in the 2-1 FA Cup third round win over Merseyside rivals Everton at Anfield.
The Dutchman scored the winner with five minutes remaining, heading home from an Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain corner.
Matip played alongside Van Dijk in the middle of the Liverpool defence for the game in favour of Dejan Lovren and Ragnar Klavan, who had to settle for a place on the bench.
Liverpool news: Virgil van Dijk must be partnered by Joel Matip, says Nicol
I think it’s pretty straightforward, I think the two of them will make a good partnership
Nicol says that must be the tactic Jurgen Klopp employs going forward for the rest of the season.
“I think it should be pretty clear that it should be Matip,” the Scot said.
“No (not Lovren), not at all.
“I think it’s pretty straightforward, I think the two of them will make a good partnership.
Liverpool news: Virgil van Dijk had a debut to remember in the FA Cup win over Everton
“It’s one game against Everton, they did lose a goal.
“I don’t think either of them were at fault for it.
“I don’t think you can pin one person down but just as a group they had enough players back and still didn’t manage to stop the goal. Collective responsibility.”
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