During Liverpool's recent pre‑season triumph over Como, a brief incident slipped almost unnoticed by the Anfield faithful. The friendly, which ended 2-0 thanks to a debutant performance from Jeremy Jacquet, marked the final warm‑up match before the new campaign.
Yet, in the first half a subtle dispute erupted between midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai and captain Virgil van Dijk. Szoboszlai applied pressure, but Como simply slipped the ball into the space behind the Dutch defender. The Hungarian’s frustration was evident when he realised Van Dijk had not moved forward to narrow the gap. Fast forward to the opening weeks of the Premier League, and the same theme 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 instincts of a veteran centre‑back who is now 35 years old. The question looms large: does Van Dijk still possess the willingness – and the physical capacity – to lead the line from the back in a system that demands relentless pressing? The Newcastle encounter highlighted the issue starkly.
While Anthony Elanga’s 61‑metre sprint to score the winner captured headlines, a more nuanced problem lay in the build‑up. William Osula was able to release the ball to Elanga without any Liverpool player closing down, a lapse that former defender and pundit Jamie Carragher pinpointed on Sky Sports. Carragher argued that "Van Dijk should have been higher initially, and if he had been, he could have made the challenge there." He tempered his criticism by noting that Van Dijk is "a 35‑year‑old defender approaching the twilight of his career, one of the greatest to ever play in that position." Carragher drew a parallel with John Terry’s later years under André Villas‑Boas, suggesting that seasoned centre‑backs often shy away from the most demanding defensive zones. "You have to play to their strengths," he said, implying that a manager must adapt tactics to accommodate a defender’s evolving physical profile.
Further, Carragher warned that Liverpool not only need protection in midfield but also must shield Van Dijk himself. "This could be the first season where he cannot help anyone else; he needs help himself." The crux of the matter is whether Iraola’s system will provide that assistance.
Iraola, the Basque coach who transformed Bournemouth into one of the Premier League’s most exciting outfits, is renowned for his aggressive, high‑pressing approach. While this style has produced memorable moments, it also places considerable demands on the back line.
Bournemouth, under Iraola, recorded the highest direct speed against any team last season, meaning opponents could transition the ball more quickly than any other side. Such a statistic underscores the risk of leaving large gaps behind an aging defender. At Liverpool, the problem is already evident. In the Newcastle game, Milos Kerkez failed to catch up with Elanga, a scenario that does not play to Van Dijk’s traditional strengths.
In his prime, Van Dijk combined aerial dominance, composure on the ball, and an impressive passing range. However, when the ball is lost around the halfway line – a zone that now often becomes a battlefield for pressing teams – even a world‑class centre‑back can find himself exposed. Data supports the notion that Van Dijk’s raw pace has diminished. The fastest top‑speed he ever recorded in the Premier League came during his debut season with Southampton after leaving Celtic.
His peak velocity in a Liverpool shirt was logged during the title‑winning 2019‑20 campaign under Jürgen Klopp, but that was several years ago. Over the past three seasons, his top‑speed readings have steadily declined, indicating that speed is no longer a reliable asset for him.
Consequently, Van Dijk now leans heavily on physical strength and intelligent positioning. Yet, when the spaces he must cover become larger – a by‑product of a high press that leaves the centre‑backs higher up the pitch – his effectiveness can be compromised. If the midfield fails to press cohesively, the defensive line is forced to shoulder a greater burden, potentially exposing the ageing defender.
The brief tension between Van Dijk and Szoboszlai on the training ground seemed fleeting. After Van Dijk’s penalty secured a point at Newcastle, he publicly praised his teammate, even highlighting Szoboszlai’s emerging leadership qualities: "He is here to take over." The Dutchman’s words suggested a harmonious relationship, but the underlying tactical question remains unanswered. Looking ahead, the season promises further scrutiny of Van Dijk’s role under Iraola.
Mohamed Salah’s status at Liverpool shifted dramatically early in the campaign, and similar upheavals could affect the captain’s responsibilities. The midfield, which is increasingly struggling to maintain cohesion under the new press, may place additional strain on Van Dijk’s defensive duties. In summary, while Van Dijk still possesses many of the attributes that made him a world‑class defender – aerial prowess, composure, and a wide passing range – his age and reduced pace raise legitimate concerns in a system that demands a high line and aggressive pressing. Iraola must decide whether to adjust his tactical blueprint to protect his veteran leader or risk exposing a potential vulnerability that opponents could exploit.
The evolution of this dynamic will be a key storyline to watch as Liverpool navigates the challenges of the Premier League season.