Virgil van Dijk believes Liverpool’s squad strength will allow them to cope with an ‘unbelievably intense’ winter schedule.
The Reds will begin a spell of nine games in 29 days when they welcome Fulham to Anfield in the Premier League on Sunday.
It is a period that will undoubtedly test the team’s strength and resilience, but the captain says that even though a number of players are currently sidelined through injury, he is confident that there are still enough options for Jürgen Klopp to navigate his way through a tough December.
Writing in his column in the official matchday programme, Van Dijk says: “I know it is a cliché that injuries are part and parcel of football and as players we all know the risks involved, but that doesn’t make it any easier when you lose anyone to any kind of setback.
“Right now, we are without Thiago, Robbo, Diogo Jota, Alisson and Stefan Bajcetic. It goes without saying that we all wish them well in their ongoing recoveries. The sooner they are back the better.
“At the same time, though, we have to be ready to cope as a squad because injuries can and do happen and when they do the players who come in have to make the most of their opportunity.
“That is why I am so pleased with the fact that this has been happening. Football is a squad game these days and we have had so many players who have made a positive difference whether they have started games, come off the bench, been an unused substitute or just been involved with training.
“By setting high standards across the board, we improve our chances of success, so it can never just be about the 90-100 minutes itself. The work that goes on in the training ground, the mood that is created in the dressing room and the general standards that we set ourselves and one another from one day to the next are so important and this means it is up to all of us to play our part.
“This has definitely been one of our strengths so far this season and it has to continue.”
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Jurgen Klopp, the manager of Liverpool, has acknowledged that he spoke with Caoimhin Kelleher over his potential departure from the team.
Kelleher is expected to play a significant role in the upcoming weeks as regular starter Alisson Becker is expected to miss some time due to injury.
The Irishman, who has lagged behind Alisson since emerging from the academy in 2019, is finally getting his time. There had been rumors that Kelleher might quit the Reds in the summer due to his lack of playing time.
Speaking to the media about the 25-year-old yesterday, Klopp also acknowledged that some “discussions” had been had on that prospect.
When questioned if Caoimhin was prepared for his opportunity, the manager responded, “He is a focused person in general.” “You won’t see him celebrating the clean sheet [against LASK on Thursday] in a bar tonight.” Thus, it is not an issue. Caoimhin wants it right now and is ready for it.
“We had discussions about it in the summer obviously. But as long as we don’t have a solution we cannot loan players. He’s home grown, all these kinds of things. The first responsibility is to do the best for Liverpool and we have to see how we can sort it. Now for him it’s a situation he didn’t want to have but, obviously, somehow yes, because you want opportunities, you want to play. Now he will get a few games, definitely, and yes, I trust him.”
Kelleher prepared to take the field.
Had Kelleher departed to be a number one elsewhere in the summer, you wouldn’t find many Liverpool fans begrudging him of it.
The Ireland international earned the opportunity to start since he has been an excellent No. 2 for Alisson.
Kelleher is 25 years old and should be playing frequently. Since Ali isn’t going anywhere, most fans would be glad to see Caoimh leave and succeed at another team.
All of that being said, Liverpool ought to be grateful that Kelleher stayed put.
He isn’t a perfect ‘keeper and has looked a little rusty in the early parts of this season. But against LASK on Thursday, he really showed what he’s all about. For a handful of games, the Reds can cope without Alisson.
This little run should also be enough to determine where Kelleher’s future may lie. If he steps in and performs well, it will really show that he can do a job for a Premier League side. That could lead to a sale next summer.
Should the academy graduate come in and look shaky or uncertain though, then maybe it will seal his future as a No.2.
Both scenarios may be no bad thing for Liverpool in the long-run. However, for this little patch of games, it would be helpful if Kelleher can do his best impression of Alisson. We’re all counting on you, Caoimh!
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