During Liverpool's recent pre‑season friendly against Como, a seemingly minor incident slipped past most of the Anfield crowd. The match, which ended in a 2‑0 victory for Andoni Iraola's men thanks to a debut performance from Jeremy Jacquet, featured a brief but telling spat in the first half between midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai and captain Virgil van Dijk. Szoboszlai pressed high, only to see the ball threaded into the space behind him. When Van Dijk failed to step up and close that gap, the Hungarian’s frustration was evident.
Fast‑forward to the opening weeks of the Premier League campaign, and the same theme resurfaced in Liverpool’s early clash with Newcastle United. Within the first five minutes of that game, commentators noted that Van Dijk’s reluctance to push higher up the pitch contributed to Newcastle’s opening goal. While Anthony Elanga’s 61‑metre sprint earned the headlines, the underlying issue was William Osula’s ability to feed the ball into a dangerous area without any defender, let alone the Liverpool captain, applying pressure.
Jamie Carragher, analysing the incident on Sky Sports, argued that a higher‑positioned Van Dijk could have closed down the space and possibly prevented the challenge altogether. Carragher’s remarks were measured but pointed: "Virgil van Dijk should be higher initially and if he is higher he could then make the challenge there," he said, before reminding viewers that the defender was now 35 years old and approaching the twilight of a career that has already placed him among the very best in his position.
The comparison to John Terry under André Villas‑Boas was inevitable – a seasoned centre‑back who, in the latter stages of his career, preferred to conserve energy rather than chase every ball. "You have to play to his strengths," Carragher added, noting that the modern game often demands more from defenders than pure positional sense.
The Basque manager, Andoni Iraola, has built a reputation for an aggressive, high‑pressing style during his three‑year spell at Bournemouth, where his teams were among the most exciting in the league. That philosophy, however, places a unique set of demands on the back line. High pressing inevitably creates space behind the defensive line, and Bournemouth last season recorded the highest direct speed‑against metric in the Premier League – meaning opponents moved the ball up the field faster than any other side.
If Liverpool adopts a similar approach, the risk of exposing gaps for quick forwards like Elanga or Newcastle’s attackers grows considerably. Van Dijk’s skill set remains impressive. In his prime he combined aerial dominance, composure on the ball, and a wide passing range that allowed him to start attacks from deep.
Yet certain physical attributes naturally wane with age. Data from his Premier League career shows that his peak top‑speed was recorded during his debut season with Southampton, and his fastest recorded sprint in a Liverpool shirt came in the title‑winning 2019‑20 campaign under Jürgen Klopp.
Over the past three seasons, his maximum velocity has gradually declined, making it a less reliable weapon against pace‑driven opponents. What does this mean for Liverpool under Iraola? The captain now relies more heavily on his reading of the game, his strength in one‑on‑one duels, and his ability to organise the defence.
However, when the midfield pushes high and the centre‑backs are left to cover larger zones between the lines, even a player of Van Dijk’s intelligence can be stretched. The space that opens up when the press is executed without the backline’s participation can be exploited by quick attackers, leading to the kind of scenarios seen against Newcastle.
The brief tension between Szoboszlai and Van Dijk on the day of the Como friendly seemed to dissipate quickly. After Van Dijk rescued a point with a crucial penalty at St James’ Park, he praised his teammate’s leadership, declaring, "He is here to take over." The Dutchman’s public endorsement suggested that any friction was momentary and that the squad remains united despite tactical disagreements. Nevertheless, the broader question remains: how will Van Dijk’s role evolve as Iraola continues to implement his pressing philosophy?
The Liverpool midfield, already showing signs of strain, may force the captain to adapt further. Mohamed Salah’s unexpected shift in status earlier this season highlighted how quickly dynamics can change at the club. If the midfield continues to press aggressively, Van Dijk may need additional support from midfield protectors or a deeper defensive line to compensate for any loss of speed.
In practical terms, Liverpool could consider several adjustments. One option is to pair Van Dijk with a more mobile partner who can cover the higher line when the press is triggered, allowing the veteran to focus on positioning and aerial duties.
Another approach is to employ a double pivot in midfield that drops deeper during the press, creating a shield that reduces the distance Van Dijk must cover. Tactical flexibility, such as occasional low blocks against particularly swift opponents, could also preserve the captain’s effectiveness while still adhering to Iraola’s overall game plan. Ultimately, the situation underscores a common challenge for elite clubs: balancing a manager’s tactical vision with the evolving capabilities of ageing stars.
Van Dijk’s experience, leadership, and footballing intelligence remain invaluable, but the physical demands of a high‑press system may require strategic tweaks. As the season unfolds, observers will be keen to see whether Liverpool can integrate the Dutchman’s strengths with Iraola’s aggressive blueprint without compromising defensive solidity. The answer will likely shape Liverpool’s fortunes in a league where the margin between success and struggle is often measured in a single, well‑timed press.