Liverpool left-back Luke Chambers has claimed that he’s trying to copy Virgil van Dijk’s style of defending.
Chambers is on the verge of a first-team call-up from Jurgen Klopp and could even start tonight’s Europa League game against Toulouse.
Should he get in the team, the 19-year-old has told liverpoolfc.com that he’s got a ready-made role model at Anfield – the Reds’ illustrious captain.
“I think I’m more of a stay-on-my-feet defender, I don’t really rush in to a lot of stuff, I’m more careful about my positioning,” Chambers explains.
“That’s why I intercept quite a lot of passes and I’m on the front foot and read the play well.
“When you watch Virg defending, he’s so elegant and he reads the game very well. I think they’re the best kind of defenders in this day and age. That’s what I base my game off – just composure while defending.”
Chambers aims for Van Dijk comparison
If Chambers does make his first ever Liverpool start this evening, then he’s unlikely to line up alongside Van Dijk.
Instead, it’s probably that fellow youngster Jarell Quansah will make another start in the left centre-back position.
Nevertheless, Virgil is obviously a quite brilliant example for any youngster to follow. To have the chance to train with a player of his ilk will do wonders for the likes of Chambers.
Anything he can learn from the Dutchman will be valuable in ensuring he makes the grade at Liverpool.
Although Van Dijk has had a slightly troubled last year or so, he’s still the best in the business.
It should also be said that his style of elegant, laid-back defending isn’t for everyone, though. Van Dijk can get away with this because of A) his speed and B) his reading of the game.
That reading of just what the forward is going to do has come with years of facing up to the very best players in the game.
Chambers should be a little wary of trying such tactics until he’s built up some of the nous needed to play that way.
Having said that, we’re all for having a back line full of Virgil’s so crack on, Luke!
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