Arsenal legend Paul Merson has urged Jurgen Klopp to break Liverpool's transfer record during the January transfer window.
Speaking to Talksport on Monday, Merson insisted:
"If Liverpool can buy Van Dijk for £50 million in January, they will take some beating. Defensively, they aren’t going to be good enough, but if they can get Van Dijk, that nearly wins you the Premier League.”
The Reds have struggled at the back over the last couple of seasons, but it's nonsense to suggest that Liverpool 'aren't good enough' defensively right now.
This particular opinion appears to be ingrained in the psyche of pundits (and some fans) but the reality is that Liverpool have improved defensively this season, and the team's record compares favourably with any club in the league:
* 14 goals conceded in 13 games. Only 5 teams have conceded fewer, with Chelsea and Spurs on currently leading the way with 10 goals conceded apiece.
* As a comparison: Arsenal have conceded 14, and Man City 12, which is hardly a significant difference.
* Liverpool conceded 5 goals in the first two league games of the season, but since then, it's 9 conceded in 11 games, which is an excellent record.
* Last 6 games: 4 goals conceded, 3 clean sheets. Plus, the team is unbeaten in 14 matches.
There are still improvements to be made, but even the greatest defence in the world concedes goals, and splurging £50m on Van Dijk isn't going to change that.
* Van Dijk: Hailed by Fraser Forster as 'fantastic'.
Speaking to Talksport on Monday, Merson insisted:
"If Liverpool can buy Van Dijk for £50 million in January, they will take some beating. Defensively, they aren’t going to be good enough, but if they can get Van Dijk, that nearly wins you the Premier League.”
The Reds have struggled at the back over the last couple of seasons, but it's nonsense to suggest that Liverpool 'aren't good enough' defensively right now.
This particular opinion appears to be ingrained in the psyche of pundits (and some fans) but the reality is that Liverpool have improved defensively this season, and the team's record compares favourably with any club in the league:
* 14 goals conceded in 13 games. Only 5 teams have conceded fewer, with Chelsea and Spurs on currently leading the way with 10 goals conceded apiece.
* As a comparison: Arsenal have conceded 14, and Man City 12, which is hardly a significant difference.
* Liverpool conceded 5 goals in the first two league games of the season, but since then, it's 9 conceded in 11 games, which is an excellent record.
* Last 6 games: 4 goals conceded, 3 clean sheets. Plus, the team is unbeaten in 14 matches.
There are still improvements to be made, but even the greatest defence in the world concedes goals, and splurging £50m on Van Dijk isn't going to change that.
* Van Dijk: Hailed by Fraser Forster as 'fantastic'.
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