Virgil van Dijk remains one of the greatest centre-backs Liverpool have ever had.
There is no question about that.
Even at 35 years old, the Dutch captain continues to perform at an exceptionally high level and remains the leader of Liverpool’s defence.
But there is an uncomfortable question Liverpool supporters have to ask as the new season approaches.
Are the Reds placing too much responsibility on Van Dijk once again?
Still World Class
There are very few defenders in world football capable of doing what Van Dijk still does.
His strengths remain obvious:
● Outstanding positional awareness.
● Calmness under pressure.
● Leadership.
● Aerial dominance.
● Superb distribution.
Even as his pace has naturally declined with age, his reading of the game allows him to remain one of the Premier League’s outstanding defenders.
On ability alone, he is still Liverpool’s first-choice centre-back.
Age Is Unbeaten
However, football history tells us one thing.
Eventually, time catches everyone.
Van Dijk turns 35 this season.
While there is nothing to suggest his performances are about to collapse, Liverpool have to recognise that they cannot expect him to play every minute of every competition indefinitely.
Managing his workload has never been more important.
The Lack of Experience Beside Him
The concern is not Van Dijk himself.
It is who Liverpool are asking him to play alongside.
Jeremy Jacquet has enormous potential.
Giorgio Leoni is highly rated.
Joe Gomez offers experience but has battled injuries.
That means Van Dijk may once again find himself carrying enormous responsibility.
Supporters will naturally hope the younger defenders develop quickly, but relying on that progression brings an element of risk.
Liverpool Need a Long-Term Plan
One criticism aimed at Liverpool in recent years has been delaying succession planning.
Replacing elite players is never easy.
The best clubs begin preparing years before those players decline.
Van Dijk remains outstanding, but Liverpool must ensure they are not caught unprepared when the inevitable transition eventually arrives.
That means developing younger defenders while also ensuring there is enough experienced quality around them.
Iraola’s Biggest Defensive Challenge
Andoni Iraola inherits one of the game’s greatest defenders.
He also inherits the challenge of managing him correctly.
There will undoubtedly be occasions where resting Van Dijk is the right decision.
The difficulty is that Liverpool often look significantly less secure without him.
Finding the balance between protecting the captain and remaining competitive will be one of Iraola’s most important tasks this season.
Supporters Should Appreciate Every Game
Rather than worrying about when Van Dijk declines, perhaps Liverpool supporters should simply appreciate that they still have him.
Players of his quality do not come along very often.
He has already secured his place among Liverpool’s greatest-ever defenders.
The question is whether Liverpool are asking too much of him for one more season.
Hopefully, the answer is no.
Because if Virgil van Dijk stays fit and continues performing at his current level, Liverpool’s hopes of challenging for major honours will be significantly stronger.
But equally, the club must ensure they are preparing for the future—not simply relying on one of the greatest defenders of his generation to hold everything together once again.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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