Liverpool 'must' sign Virgil van Dijk, says former Reds captain Jamie Redknapp
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Liverpool 'must' sign Virgil van Dijk to put a stop to 'abject defending' from set-pieces, says former Reds captain Jamie Redknapp.
Jurgen Klopp's side conceded three goals to Watford on Saturday, with the first and third coming from corners, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Following the 3-3 draw at Vicarage Road, Redknapp was involved in a heated debate with former teammate Jamie Carragher over how van Dijk would improve the Reds.
And the Sky Sports pundit has reiterated the need for Liverpool to sign the Dutchman.
(Image: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
"Liverpool's abject defending from set-pieces at Watford shows why they must splash out £60million on Virgil van Dijk," he said.
"There are no leaders in that Liverpool defence. At corners, no one wants to take responsibility and clear the ball.
"When you mark zonally, as Liverpool do, you need players to attack the ball. At Vicarage Road they were twice punished for standing like statues at corners.
(Image: Reuters)
"It is no surprise that under Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool have conceded the most from set-plays of the big six sides.
"You look at Tottenham, who have conceded the fewest, and they have Toby Alderweireld, Jan Vertonghen, Eric Dier and Victor Wanyama — leaders across the team.
(Image: Liverpool FC)
"Klopp knows there is a glaring weakness in his team. He needs to address it by bringing in Van Dijk."
Liverpool have conceded 27 league goals from set-pieces since Jurgen Klopp took charge in October 2015 – more than any other side in the top six.
Klopp remains keen on bringing van Dijk to Anfield but there has been no progress, despite the Southampton defender's written transfer request last week.