Liverpool have struggled defensively this season, which has now impacted their creativity in the final third.
During that run of nine defeats from 12, clean sheets were incredibly hard to come by for the Reds.
In turn, Arne Slot changed his system to try and shore up what had become a leaky backline.
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This has worked to some extent, including keeping a clean sheet against Arsenal last week.
But it has come at the cost of Liverpool’s performances (zero shots on target against the Gunners), which have been underwhelming for some time.
Noni Madueke praise for Virgil van Dijk
Slot is clearly struggling to find the right balance between defence and attack this season.
Yet, a couple of players in his backline have started to show improvements of late.
Gary Neville praised Milos Kerkez after the aforementioned 0-0 draw with Arsenal.
Now, Gunners winger Noni Madueke has given high praise to Virgil van Dijk.
In a video for ESPN, the winger was asked to name the three toughest opponents he’s played against.
Madueke said: “Virgil van Dijk, Gabi [Gabriel] and William Saliba when I played for Chelsea.”
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Liverpool centre-back transfer update
So far this season, Van Dijk has had to do a lot of heavy lifting in Liverpool’s backline.
Young stopper Giovanni Leoni is out for the rest of the season, leaving the Dutchman, Ibrahima Konate and the injury-prone Joe Gomez, who is also needed at right-back, to cover two positions across a full campaign.
However, despite the lack of depth, it appears the Reds are waiting until the summer to strengthen their backline.
David Ornstein has said centre-back will be a focus this summer, but it looks as though Liverpool are ‘keeping their powder dry’ during the January transfer window.
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