Liverpool meet Manchester City on Sunday, with the opportunity to go four points ahead at the top of the Premier League.
This is not a new problem for Liverpool or Jurgen Klopp. But, following a bad season last year, it’s surprising to be back in the title race so early. Nonetheless, the Reds have earned their right to be there.
City, who are only one point behind the Reds, and Arsenal, who are another point back, have also dropped down the standings. With so little to differentiate between the sides, it is truly anyone’s game.
Despite this, Jamie Carragher claims that there is one major difference between the three title contenders. Or more specifically, between City and the other two.
In his essay for The Telegraph today, Carragher argued that if one player was removed from both Liverpool and Arsenal’s teams, they would collapse. For Liverpool, Virgil van Dijk; for Arsenal, Declan Rice.
“The difference between City, Liverpool, and Arsenal is that without Van Dijk or Rice, neither would be contenders. The city would still be thriving without Foden. “That is a reflection of their squad’s depth, not an attempt to downplay his brilliance,” observed the Reds legend.
Carragher makes the Van Dijk claim.
This is an intriguing viewpoint from Carragher, which may be ignored by Liverpool fans. However, it is one worth investigating.
Obviously, Van Dijk is not the only reason the Reds are in this situation this season. The captain has been outstanding, and he is most likely Liverpool’s finest player, but he has not done it alone.
However, Virgil often sets the tone for the team. Aside from a costly error at Arsenal and a harsh red card at Newcastle, the Dutchman has rarely missed a beat since the season began.
Liverpool have benefited from his imposing presence and ability to remain composed under duress.
Certainly, with inexperienced players joining the team, Van Dijk’s consistent presence has proven encouraging. Sometimes it felt as if the guys in front of him didn’t matter. As long as Virg is present, we’ll be good.
