During Liverpool's recent pre‑season friendly against Como, a relatively quiet incident unfolded that may have larger implications for the club's upcoming campaign. The match, which ended 2-0 in favour of Andoni Iraola's side thanks to a debut performance by Jeremy Jacquet, featured a brief but telling spat between midfield dynamo Dominik Szoboszlai and veteran centre‑back Virgil van Dijk. Szoboszlai, pressing high as per Iraola's aggressive philosophy, was visibly frustrated when a simple pass from Como slipped into the space behind him and van Dikk failed to step forward to close the gap.
That moment, barely noticed by the Anfield crowd, hinted at a potential mismatch between the manager's high‑pressing blueprint and the physical realities of a 35‑year‑old defender whose career is now entering its twilight. Fast forward to the opening weeks of the Premier League season, and the same tension resurfaced in Liverpool's clash with Newcastle United. Within the first five minutes, Newcastle's opening goal was a direct result of a lapse in the defensive line.
While Anthony Elanga's 61‑metre sprint earned headlines, the underlying cause was that William Osula was able to deliver a clean ball to him without any Liverpool defender, particularly van Dijk, pressing high enough to disrupt the play. Sky Sports analyst Jamie Carragher summed it up succinctly: "Van Dijk should have been higher initially; if he had been, he could have made the challenge." Carragher went on to note that van Dijk, at 35, is still one of the finest centre‑backs ever seen, but age inevitably brings a shift in capabilities. Carragher drew a parallel with John Terry under Andre Villas‑Boas, a defender who also preferred to stay deeper rather than chase high‑pressing attackers. "You have to play to his strengths," he said, underscoring the need for a tactical adaptation when a seasoned defender is asked to cover more ground.
The broader point was that Liverpool might need to protect van Dijk as much as he protects the midfield, especially if the team’s pressing strategy leaves large gaps for opponents to exploit. Iraola, who earned plaudits for transforming Bournemouth into one of the Premier League's most exciting sides over three seasons, is known for his relentless, high‑intensity approach.
Bournemouth, under his guidance, recorded the highest direct speed against metric in the league last season, meaning opponents moved the ball up the pitch faster than any other team faced. That style, while thrilling, creates a defensive environment where space behind the back line is a constant threat. For Liverpool, this could be problematic.
In the Newcastle game, Milos Kerkez was unable to chase down Elanga, and the scenario does not play to van Dijk's traditional strengths of aerial dominance and positional intelligence. Van Dijk's skill set remains impressive: he commands the penalty area, possesses a calm composure on the ball, and can launch attacks with precise long passes. However, his physical attributes—especially top‑speed sprinting—have waned.
Data shows his highest recorded speed came during his debut Premier League season with Southampton, and even his fastest run in a Liverpool shirt was during the title‑winning 2019‑20 campaign under Jürgen Klopp. Over the past three seasons, his top speed has shown a steady decline, making him less effective when required to cover large spaces quickly. The modern game increasingly demands centre‑backs to be comfortable both in possession and in rapid transitions.
When a team presses high, the centre‑backs often find themselves at the halfway line, a position that can be uncomfortable for any ageing defender. Van Dijk now relies more heavily on his physical presence and his keen sense of positioning, but the larger the gaps he must monitor, the more difficult it becomes to compensate with pure intelligence alone. The brief tension between van Dijk and Szoboszlai on the day of the Como friendly was quickly resolved. After a penalty saved a point at Newcastle, the Dutch captain praised his teammate, even suggesting Szoboszlai could eventually take over leadership duties.
Yet the underlying question remains: when will that transition occur, and how will it affect the defensive structure? Liverpool's midfield, already under scrutiny, may further expose van Dijk's limitations. Mohamed Salah's unexpected shift in status earlier this season highlighted how quickly dynamics can change at the club. If the midfield continues to struggle to retain possession, the pressure on van Dijk to cover more ground will intensify, potentially leading to more moments where he is caught out of position.
In summary, Iraola's high‑pressing, high‑tempo philosophy is a double‑edged sword for Liverpool. While it can generate excitement and create scoring opportunities, it also places significant physical demands on defenders, especially an ageing centre‑back like Virgil van Dijk.
The club will need to devise a balanced approach—perhaps allowing van Dijk to operate slightly deeper while still maintaining the team's aggressive intent. Monitoring how the Dutchman adapts, and whether the coaching staff can provide the necessary cover, will be essential as Liverpool navigates the challenges of the new season.