During Liverpool's final pre‑season friendly against Como, a subtle incident unfolded that many Anfield supporters barely noticed at the time. The match, which ended 2-0 in favor of Andoni Iraola's side thanks to a debut performance by Jeremy Jacquet, contained a small but telling disagreement in the first half between midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai and captain Virgil van Dijk. Szoboszlai pressed high, but the ball was slipped past him into the space behind the Dutch defender.
The midfielder’s frustration was evident as he glared at van Dijk for not stepping up to close the gap. Fast‑forward to the opening weeks of the Premier League campaign, and the same issue resurfaced within the first five minutes of Liverpool's clash with Newcastle United.
Observers began to wonder whether Iraola’s high‑pressing philosophy might clash with the physical realities of an ageing centre‑back. The question now is simple: does the 35‑year‑old Dutchman still possess the willingness and ability to lead the press, or is he becoming a reluctant participant in a system that demands constant forward movement? The Newcastle match offered a clear illustration.
While Anthony Elanga’s 61‑metre sprint to score the winner captured headlines, a deeper analysis by former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher on Sky Sports highlighted a more fundamental problem. William Osula was able to feed Elanga without any Liverpool defender challenging him, a lapse that could be traced back to van Dijk’s reluctance to push higher up the pitch. Carragher remarked, “Virgil van Dijk should be higher initially and if he is higher he could then make the challenge there,” before noting that the defender is “35, coming towards the end of his career, one of the greatest players we have seen in that position.” Carragher’s comments echo a pattern seen with other veteran defenders, most notably John Terry under André Villas‑Boas at Chelsea. Terry, once a dominant presence, became increasingly hesitant to venture into the space between the lines, forcing his teammates to adapt to his reduced mobility.
The lesson for Liverpool is clear: a manager must tailor his tactics to the evolving strengths and limitations of his senior players. Iraola, who earned a reputation for building an aggressive, high‑pressing Bournemouth side, now faces the challenge of integrating that same intensity at Liverpool. Bournemouth, during their recent Premier League stint, recorded the highest direct speed against of any team, meaning opponents could transition the ball more quickly than any other side.
This aggressive approach inevitably leaves space behind the defensive line, a vulnerability that can be exploited by quick forwards. At Liverpool, the same principle applies. When Milos Kerkez failed to track down Elanga’s run, it exposed a gap that did not suit van Dijk’s current profile. Van Dijk’s skill set remains impressive in many respects.
He continues to dominate aerial duels, commands the penalty area with authority, and possesses a passing range that allows him to initiate attacks from deep positions. However, his pace—a hallmark of his early Liverpool years—has noticeably declined.
The fastest top speed recorded for van Dijk came during his debut Premier League season with Southampton, and his highest velocity in a Liverpool shirt was logged during the 2019‑20 title‑winning campaign under Jurgen Klopp. In the three seasons preceding the current campaign, his top speed has steadily dropped, rendering him less effective when required to cover large distances quickly.
The modern centre‑back must now rely more on positional intelligence and physical strength. Yet, when a high press forces the ball into the middle third, the defender is often left to manage larger spaces with less time to react. If the midfield line presses aggressively and the centre‑back does not follow, the opposition can exploit the resulting gaps with swift passes or runs behind the defense.
This tactical mismatch could become a recurring issue for Liverpool if Iraola insists on a press‑intensive style without providing additional cover for his ageing captain. The brief tension between Szoboszlai and van Dijk on the day of the Como friendly quickly dissipated. After van Dijk’s penalty secured a point against Newcastle, he publicly praised Szoboszlai’s leadership, declaring, “He is here to take over.” The Dutchman’s comments suggested a harmonious locker‑room atmosphere, but the underlying tactical dilemma remains.
Looking ahead, the evolution of Mohamed Salah’s role at Liverpool this season—where his status shifted dramatically in a short span—serves as a reminder that player responsibilities can change rapidly under a new manager. Van Dijk’s position under Iraola will be equally scrutinised. Will the club provide additional midfield shielding, perhaps by employing a defensive midfielder to drop deeper and protect the back line? Or will Iraola adapt his pressing triggers to accommodate van Dijk’s reduced mobility?
In summary, the early signs point to a potential friction point between a high‑pressing philosophy and an ageing defensive stalwart. While van Dijk still offers world‑class qualities, his declining speed and reluctance to push forward may require tactical adjustments. Whether Iraola can modify his system to protect his captain while maintaining the aggressive identity that defines his teams will be a key storyline to watch as the season unfolds.