Reds fans here in the Tavern are in high spirits as they look to the FA Cup as a route to Klopp’s first piece of silverware in charge of the club.
Liverpool have built their current success on the basis of the wonders they’ve worked in previous transfer windows, after seeing Mohamed Salah earn his title of the ‘best summer signing’.
Therefore, with there still some underlying issues in defensive areas for the Reds, they’ll be looking to implement the same kind of transfer window miracle this time around with a defender next on the hit-list.
Liverpool fans, look no further than Virgil Van Dijk.
The 26-year-old Southampton defender has agreed a £75 million deal to join Liverpool in the January transfer window as officially confirmed by the Anfield giants.
Jurgen Klopp will be hoping that this is yet another stroke of genius as far as new signings are confirmed, with the Dutchman having a lot to live up to after becoming the most expensive defender in the history of world football.
Nevertheless, though Liverpool fans are jubilant at the thought of seeing a world-class defender bless the centre of defence, they’ll be hoping he can get off to the best possible start in the red shirt.
However, their Merseyside derby FA Cup encounter isn’t the best of opportunities for him to make his debut for the side, and here’s TWO reasons as to why.
City are in town
Indeed, with leaders Manchester City in town in front of the Sky cameras you’re going to want to impress, along with fans in a packed Kop catching glimpses of their £75 million man Virgil Van Dijk for the first time.
Of course, after Manchester City appeared to be favourites in signing the new Liverpool defender in the months leading up to the January transfer window.
It comes of great importance that they’re able to utilize Van Dijk’s quality against the league’s most-dominant attack, and to show them what they missed out on of course.
With an aggressive Everton side willing to do anything to spoil the life of any Liverpool fan, trying to injure Virgil Van Dijk on his debut may just be one of them.
Importance in top 4 race
There’s no question about it, although a fixture against their bitter rivals Everton is always a heated affair with the winner getting the bragging rights of Merseyside.
Being the first team to beat Manchester City this Premier League season is a much more important focus, with the margin between success and failure in terms of a Champions League spot making any slip-ups crucial in losing ground.
After their defensive-woes with Dejan Lovren at the back in crucial games so far this season, a game against arguably the most potent attack in all of world football is going to require Virgil Van Dijk to be at the top of his game.
Therefore, due to Liverpool being in a much less fortunate position than their visitors Manchester City, Liverpool require their stars to be primed and ready for one of the most important matches in their season.
Reds fans, thoughts?
