Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk says the club’s revamped defence will need time to develop an understanding, despite praising new signings Ronald Araujo and Jeremy Jacquet as quality players.
Liverpool have reshaped their backline after Ibrahima Konate and Andy Robertson left the club. Joe Gomez has also suffered a muscle injury in Liverpool’s opening pre-season match.
New Defenders Join Liverpool
Liverpool strengthened their defensive options by bringing in Uruguay international Ronald Araujo on a season-long loan from Barcelona.
French defender Jeremy Jacquet also joined the squad this summer after Liverpool agreed a deal for him in February.
Both players featured in Liverpool’s 2-0 friendly win over Como at Anfield on Sunday. Jacquet also scored during the match.
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Van Dijk believes regular matches will help the new defensive unit develop the communication and understanding needed to perform at the highest level.
“By playing games,” Van Dijk told reporters when asked how he could build strong partnerships with his new teammates.
He added that matches offer a different test from training sessions and give defenders more opportunities to understand each other’s movements.
Van Dijk Calls for Patience
Van Dijk said Jacquet currently communicates more easily in English than Araujo, but believes football can help bridge any language differences.
He explained that experienced players can recognise defensive situations and react together even without constant communication.
However, the Liverpool captain acknowledged that building a strong defensive connection takes time.
“It’s pretty clear that you need to form a connection together and take a bit of time,” he said.
Van Dijk added that he hopes the new defensive partnerships develop as quickly as possible.
Liverpool will begin their new Premier League campaign away to Newcastle United on August 23.
The club finished fifth last season and will look to build a stronger defensive structure as the new campaign begins.
