Virgil van Dijk responds to "concerns" over Liverpool's transfer business
Newly-appointed Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk admits that he can "definitely understand" fans' frustration over the club's lack of transfer business.
Despite signing Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai for a combined £105million earlier in the summer window, the Reds remain without a recognised defensive-minded midfielder just five days before they start their Premier League campaign with a tricky trip to Chelsea. Their lack of a natural No.6 was highlighted thoughout Monday's often uncomfortable 3-1 friendly victory over German side Darmstadt, as the attack-minded Mac Allister was tasked with shielding the back four.
That's because midfield stalwarts Fabinho and Jordan Henderson unexpectedly chose to leave Anfield last month in favour of lucrative offers from cash-rich Saudi Pro League clubs. Liverpool have attempted to offset the pair's exits by bringing in Southampton wonderkid Romeo Lavia, but Jurgen Klopp's side have so far seen all three of their bids rejected, with the latter being worth £46million inclusive of add-ons.
But Van Dijk wants to shut out the negativity ahead his first campaign as captain, having recently replaced the long-serving Henderson. "Yeah, I can definitely understand it in some ways," the Dutch defender told the Liverpool ECHO when quizzed about supporters' concerns.
"But I'm not a very negative person. Obviously when a lot of players are leaving, when your captain is leaving, your vice-captain (James Milner) is leaving and at the moment there are only two incomings, I can understand some people having doubts."
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Have your say! Who should Liverpool sign before the end of the window? Give us your picks in the comments section.
Jurgen Klopp and Virgil van Dijk both want to silence Liverpool's doubters in the new season (Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)Van Dijk, who's part of a defensive unit which has also come under fire for leaking goals during pre-season, went on to say: "The players who left us were big characters, on and off the pitch. And that is something we all have to fill in again.
"The boys who are coming in are of a world-class level, in my opinion. We see Macca and Dom and it is incredible how they operate, especially with the ball. Now they must try and get used to the way we defend as well.
"That's a work in progress, but there are roles to be filled and taken over and everyone has to do it in their own way. I am very confident that will happen.
"The most important thing, as we've seen over the years, is the consistency of everyone in the squad. Let's see if more players are coming in and then we have to be ready again for a long season."
The Netherlands international, 32, then affirmed: "We have to be confident, we should be confident and we should still be learning every day. There have been characters leaving, players who have played a big part in the success, but others have to step up. That's a nice challenge. We should be excited. I'm very excited – so let's give it a go."
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