Neville explains why ‘exposed’ Liverpool could make Klopp ‘nervous’ Gary Neville thinks Liverpool will be “nervous” in their months without Virgil Van Dijk and therefore could be active in the January transfer window. Van Dijk faces at least six months on the sidelines after undergoing surgery on an ACL injury he suffered after a challenge from Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford in the Merseyside derby. Liverpool have won four games out of four since then, with Nat Phillips the latest player to impress at the back in Van Dijk’s absence. However, there are still concerns about their long-term aspirations this season. The departure of Dejan Lovren this summer left them with a lack of depth in defence, which could be exposed in weeks to come. Joe Gomez and Joel Matip are the only other natural senior centre-backs in Jurgen Klopp’s squad. However, Liverpool can also call on Fabinho to provide cover there, as well as giving opportunities to younger players like Phillips. Subscribe to TEAMtalk’s daily newsletter… Former Manchester United defender Neville, though, thinks they will be concerned while Van Dijk is out – even if they did good business overall in the summer. “I thought the signings of Thiago [Alcantara] and [Diogo] Jota were clever,” he told the Gary Neville Podcast. “They supplemented what they already had. It wouldn’t surprise me if in a few weeks time they deal with that issue with Van Dijk and bring in a centre-back just to get through, even if it’s on loan or a more permanent solution. “I think Jurgen Klopp will be nervous because they will be more exposed. I’m looking forward to seeing Manchester City vs Liverpool next Sunday. “That will be a real test and give us a good guide as to where Manchester City are this season and where Liverpool are without Van Dijk.” Van Dijk absence to have significant impact Neville knows first-hand how much of a blow it can be for teams to lose their key players for a sustained period of time, citing two examples from his own career with United. However, he admits that Liverpool have a winning mentality that may just see them through. “Liverpool, at this moment in time, have an ability to play below their best,” he added. “We know why. The blow of Van Dijk’s injury must be huge. I played in seasons with Manchester United where Cantona was taken off for the kung-fu kick and Roy Keane got injured at Leeds away and other seasons where you miss big players. “The impact it has on the dressing room is something that’s significant. But, Liverpool find a way to win when they’re not at their best. “That’s what champions teams do and they’re champions at this moment in time for a reason.” READ MORE: Jurgen Klopp assesses how well Liverpool have done without Van Dijk The post Neville explains why ‘exposed’ Liverpool could make Klopp ‘nervous’ appeared first on teamtalk.com.

Gary Neville thinks Liverpool will be “nervous” in their months without Virgil Van Dijk and therefore could be active in the January transfer window.

Van Dijk faces at least six months on the sidelines after undergoing surgery on an ACL injury he suffered after a challenge from Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford in the Merseyside derby.

Liverpool have won four games out of four since then, with Nat Phillips the latest player to impress at the back in Van Dijk’s absence.

However, there are still concerns about their long-term aspirations this season. The departure of Dejan Lovren this summer left them with a lack of depth in defence, which could be exposed in weeks to come.

Joe Gomez and Joel Matip are the only other natural senior centre-backs in Jurgen Klopp’s squad. However, Liverpool can also call on Fabinho to provide cover there, as well as giving opportunities to younger players like Phillips.

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Former Manchester United defender Neville, though, thinks they will be concerned while Van Dijk is out – even if they did good business overall in the summer.

“I thought the signings of Thiago [Alcantara] and [Diogo] Jota were clever,” he told the Gary Neville Podcast.

“They supplemented what they already had. It wouldn’t surprise me if in a few weeks time they deal with that issue with Van Dijk and bring in a centre-back just to get through, even if it’s on loan or a more permanent solution.

“I think Jurgen Klopp will be nervous because they will be more exposed. I’m looking forward to seeing Manchester City vs Liverpool next Sunday.

“That will be a real test and give us a good guide as to where Manchester City are this season and where Liverpool are without Van Dijk.”

 

Van Dijk absence to have significant impact

Neville knows first-hand how much of a blow it can be for teams to lose their key players for a sustained period of time, citing two examples from his own career with United.

However, he admits that Liverpool have a winning mentality that may just see them through.

“Liverpool, at this moment in time, have an ability to play below their best,” he added.

“We know why. The blow of Van Dijk’s injury must be huge. I played in seasons with Manchester United where Cantona was taken off for the kung-fu kick and Roy Keane got injured at Leeds away and other seasons where you miss big players.

“The impact it has on the dressing room is something that’s significant. But, Liverpool find a way to win when they’re not at their best.

“That’s what champions teams do and they’re champions at this moment in time for a reason.”

READ MORE: Jurgen Klopp assesses how well Liverpool have done without Van Dijk

 

The post Neville explains why ‘exposed’ Liverpool could make Klopp ‘nervous’ appeared first on teamtalk.com.

Samuel Bannister