New Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has been urged to reassess his centre-back options - including captain Virgil van Dijk
Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool
Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool(Image: Jack Thomas/Getty Images)
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Andoni Iraola has been told to sort the "real issue" in Liverpool's team at the heart of their defence with questions being asked of captain Virgil van Dijk.
The Reds leaked 53 goals in the top flight last season - their most in a single 38-game Premier League campaign - as a disappointing fifth-place finish contributed to the sacking of Arne Slot as head coach.
New boss Iraola's centre-back options have been compromised by the departure of Ibrahima Konate to Real Madrid on a free transfer and the ongoing absence of teenager Giovanni Leoni as he recovers from a long-term knee injury, but £60million 21-year-old Jeremy Jacquet has arrived from Rennes.
And former England international Chris Waddle believes the Reds must further strengthen their rearguard during the transfer window while move away from being reliant on 35-year-old Van Dijk, who started every Premier League and Champions League game for Liverpool last season.
"Andoni Iraola has done a marvellous job, nobody can question what he achieved at Bournemouth," said Waddle.
"He likes to play on the front foot and, as a good tactician, he prefers an attacking style that suits the way Liverpool play and what their fans want to see. I think they crave excitement, they want to see the team attacking.
"I think he will definitely do that. But are the players good enough? Will he be allowed to bring in new players? Will Virgil van Dijk be playing this season?
"Last year, while many pointed to tactics, I believe the real issue was the middle of the defence. If they can strengthen that, there's no reason why Liverpool can't challenge again this season.
"Van Dijk obviously still has a big influence on the Liverpool squad, so you might keep him for another year and use him in specific games. But again, if he's performing well, you play him. But I just think that central position is the key issue for Liverpool.
"He’s not going to get any quicker. He’s always read the game well and has always been technically sound. But when you lose that yard of pace, it's difficult in the Premier League. The league is so quick. I thought that last year, regardless of who his centre-half partner was, they struggled."
Speaking to OLBG, Waddle also believes Iraola can extract the best out of Milos Kerkez, who he worked with at Bournemouth before the left-back joined Liverpool last summer.
"I never thought that the defensive side of Milos Kerkez’s game was the greatest, but his energy levels and use of the ball going forward have always been great," he said.
"Iraola knows how he wants to play. He’s going to get the best out of him, have him play on the front foot, and get him attacking down that wing. I'm sure that's what he'll be doing and I think we’ll see a new player."