Van-Dijk-Liverpool
The 19th of October 2020, Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park - but it will forever be known as the date when Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk sustained his Anterior Cruciate Ligament injury.
He missed the remainder of the 2020/21 campaign, resulting in the likes of Rhys Williams, Nat Phillips and Ozan Kabak filling in the heart of the Reds’ backline.
However, since returning from a potentially career-ending injury, the Dutchman has only missed 12 games over the last five seasons - re-establishing himself as a crucial member of the senior ranks.
Virgil-Van-Dijk-Liverpool
Despite entering the back end of his career, he will no doubt maintain such a role under Andoni Iraola this campaign - but questions are being asked about who will partner him throughout 2026/27.
Why Iraola has a centre-back crisis at Liverpool
The centre-back area has been one constantly brought into question at Anfield over recent seasons, but this summer such a conversation is prevalent once again.
Ibrahima Konaté, a player who started 36 league games last term, rejected a new contract on Merseyside and left the club as a free agent at the end of June.
Liverpool's Ibrahima Konate reacts
The 27-year-old has since joined Spanish giants Real Madrid on a free transfer, following in Trent Alexander-Arnold’s footsteps in swapping Liverpool for Madrid.
It was seen as a blow, but a solvable one, after the hierarchy had already agreed to sign French talent Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes for around £60m from 2026/27 and beyond.
However, the 21-year-old missed the last three months of 2025/26 with a shoulder injury - and has only just returned to training over the last couple of weeks.
||
Games missed by Liverpool defenders in 2025/26
Player
Giovanni Leoni
Conor Bradley
Jeremie Frimpong
Jeremy Jacquet
Joe Gomez
Milos Kerkez
Ibrahima Konate
Andy Robertson
Virgil van Dijk
It appears as though he’s still struggling with his subsequent injury, as Iraola confirmed he’s still “feeling some discomfort” and refused to put a time frame on his return.
Joe Gomez is another senior option who the new boss was hoping to call upon, but the Englishman had to be replaced just 10 minutes into the first pre-season clash with Sunderland.
How Liverpool can sign a £60m star who's just like Van Dijk
At present, Iraola doesn’t have a senior option to partner Van Dijk for the season opener in just under three weeks time, which could see the hierarchy have to delve into the transfer market.
Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk applauds fans after the match
Such an area which has seen few players linked with a move to Anfield to date, but that could all be about to change after the recent setbacks for Jacquet and Gomez.
One player has emerged as a possible option though, with Aston Villa star Ezri Konsa a player who could well end up being a Reds player come the end of the window.
It’s been reported by CaughtOffside that strong interest has been shown by Liverpool in recent months, with the possibility of making an offer for the 28-year-old.
The report also states that Arsenal are monitoring the Englishman’s progress, which has seen Unai Emery’s men placing a £60m asking price on the defender to fend off any interest.
It’s unclear if the Villans would be willing to sanction a deal for the defender after Morgan Rogers’ departure, but there’s no denying he would be a player who could improve Iraola’s backline.
Best centre-backs in the world ranked
Best centre-backs in the world ranked
His stats from last season in the Premier League highlight his quality, with his figures demonstrating why he is in the same quality bracket as Reds star Van Dijk.
Konsa managed to achieve an impressive 96% pass completion rate, whilst averaging 59.4 passes completed per 90 in England’s top-flight throughout 2025/26.
Both of the aforementioned figures are in the same ballpark as the Dutch star, highlighting his incredible ability to play out from the back - a key component to Iraola’s system.
His ability to be comfortable in possession was further reflected in his 67% dribble success rate - which saw him step into the midfield and distribute the ball on countless occasions.
The Villa star also managed to win 67% of his ground duels in the Premier League - a figure which placed him above 87% of centre-backs in the division.
Such a tally was the same as Van Dijk’s, subsequently showcasing his ability to dominate the opposition strikers within the defensive third of the pitch.
Ezri Konsa of Aston Villa
£60m on a 28-year-old talent may seem to be somewhat expensive, but it could prove to be a bargain if he has a similar impact to Van Dijk at Anfield.
Should he emulate the Dutchman on Merseyside, he would be able to star in the senior ranks for the next seven seasons - potentially adding a Premier League medal to his recent Europa League triumph.
bradley-barcola-france-world-cup-qualifiers