Jamie Carragher says Liverpool have "always lacked" a left-footed centre-back and putting Virgil van Dijk in that role doesn't fix the issue.
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Liverpool lose 3-2 at FulhamCarragher points to Reds weaknessVan Dijk can't fix the issueFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Liverpool legend Carragher suggested Liverpool's poor defensive performance in their 3-2 loss at Fulham was partly down to there being two right-footed centre-backs (Van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate). The ex-England international believes for all of Van Dijk's qualities, having a left-footer in the back two may have prevented Alex Iwobi's goal at Craven Cottage on Saturday.
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Analysing the goal on Sky Sports' Monday Night Football, Carragher said: "The reason why Fulham have pushed it to Van Dijk is… and something Liverpool have always lacked… a left-footed centre back. Now, the reason I think Virgil van Dijk probably goes to [left back] Andy Robertson is it's the obvious pass, of course. It's not a bad pass, but maybe a left-footed centre back with the quality of Van Dijk could actually go there [and play a long-range pass from left to right and find Mo Salah in space]. If it's on the right side, he's got that passing range in his locker. And that's why I think Fulham have pushed it this side, pushed Virgil van Dijk onto his left foot. Because they know he can't play that pass and he's going to play the shorter pass. He goes to Andy Robertson and he's just got to go back to the goalkeeper. He tries a cross-field pass, he gets it wrong and we know what happens. It was a nightmare scenario for him."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Van Dijk is into the last months of his Liverpool contract and could be heading for pastures new this summer. If he does go, the Reds will have to find a quality replacement and perhaps they will look for a left-footer – as Carragher has advised. If the 33-year-old stays, strengthening in that area would be a shrewd move anyway. Ultimately, it hasn't been that big an issue as they are on the cusp of another Premier League title.
AFPWHAT NEXT?
Arne Slot's Liverpool will look to bounce back from this defeat when they host West Ham in the Premier League on Sunday.