Liverpool’s Defensive Transformation: The Search for Virgil van Dijk’s Successor
In late 2017, Liverpool’s defense was widely considered their Achilles heel, a frailty within an otherwise promising squad assembling under Jurgen Klopp. Fast forward to the following season and a seismic transformation was underway. Two key transfer windows produced dramatic upgrades, most notably the arrivals of Alisson Becker in goal and Virgil van Dijk at center-back. Their impact was immediate: stability and resilience at the back enabled the team’s high-octane, attack-minded football to flourish. Full-backs like Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson became creative engines, while Joe Gomez’s repositioning into a central role added even more potential.
Virgil van Dijk’s performances, in particular, quickly elevated him among Europe’s elite defenders. His influence was pivotal as Liverpool captured the Champions League crown, and he narrowly missed out on the Ballon d’Or that year. Van Dijk had become synonymous with defensive assurance, leadership, and composure.
But injuries are an unavoidable reality in football. Liverpool’s trajectory suffered a significant setback when Van Dijk was sidelined with an ACL injury during a Merseyside derby. Without their central pillar, the team’s defensive discipline faltered, forcing them to battle late into the season just to secure a top-four finish. Although Van Dijk returned to steady the ship, he is now entering his 30s, and his once-insurmountable defensive dominance shows signs of waning. With key center-back partner Joël Matip also advancing in years and Ibrahima Konaté positioned as the long-term future, the time is ripe to identify Van Dijk’s heir.
Defining the Ideal Van Dijk Successor: Essential Attributes
Virgil van Dijk revolutionized expectations for a modern centre-back at Liverpool, combining physical dominance with technical quality. He became globally recognized for going an entire season without being dribbled past and is fit for high-line, progressive football. Beyond traditional defending, Van Dijk offers pinpoint passing, precise long diagonals, and composure under pressure—core to Liverpool’s “press and possess” philosophy.
A suitable replacement must excel defensively and command possession. Ball carrying skills are desirable, but the crucial factors are:
– Exceptional ability to progress play and switch the attack.
– Calmness and technical precision when playing out from the back, even under pressure.
– Tactical awareness to create passing options and manage transitions.
– Physical presence for duels, complemented by pace and composure.
– Leadership to marshal a defense operating with a high offside trap.
While Liverpool’s current defenders—Konaté and Gomez—are effective, they don’t match Van Dijk’s ability either as a pure defender or as an initiator of attacks from deep. Next to Fabinho in midfield, who isn’t a typical deep-lying playmaker, the onus on the centre-back to dictate play is greater still.
Potential Replacements: Seven Top Candidates for Liverpool
Scouring Europe’s top leagues, seven defenders under the age of 27 stand out as players whose profiles—on and off the ball—most closely mirror Van Dijk’s role and Liverpool’s tactical demands:
- Axel Disasi (AS Monaco)
- Josko Gvardiol (RB Leipzig)
- Levi Colwill (Brighton)
- Min-Jae Kim (Napoli)
- Obite Evan Ndicka (Eintracht Frankfurt)
- Pau Torres (Villarreal)
- Sven Botman (Newcastle United)
Each candidate’s suitability can be evaluated in three core categories:
– Build-up and progression,
– Defending and duelling,
– Leadership and organization.
Progressing Play from the Back: Passing and Composure
Liverpool’s defining feature under Klopp is intensity—speed and movement married with measured build-up. Their defenders must be comfortable launching attacks as much as breaking them down.
Among the profiled candidates:
– Min-Jae Kim emerges as outstanding for his ability to pass progressively and maintain high accuracy. He closely rivals Van Dijk’s numbers, boasting a passing completion near 92% and leads the group in accurate forward passes and progressive actions.
– Levi Colwill, currently under Roberto De Zerbi at Brighton, displays unique composure. He is rarely dispossessed, keeps miscontrols to a minimum and tops the list for entries into the final third (82%).
– Josko Gvardiol, the most expensive target, impresses in the accuracy of his progressive passing and total pass completion (nearly 92%) despite playing in high-pressing environments.
– Axel Disasi and Sven Botman both excel in distribution: Disasi ranks second in progressive pass accuracy, while Botman is the most accomplished at accurate long balls forward.
– Pau Torres is comfortable for high-possession teams and can play long, though ranks slightly lower on progression metrics.
– Evan Ndicka is more of a ball carrier, suiting teams seeking a dynamic, driving centre-back.
Interestingly, most on this list (except Disasi) are left-footed and play on the left, possibly easing integration alongside Liverpool’s right-footed defenders.
Defensive Excellence: Tackling, Duels, and Reading the Game
Van Dijk transformed Liverpool’s ability to win duels and instill fear in attackers—physical dominance, aerial prowess, and tactical intelligence.
The standout defenders in this sphere include:
– Levi Colwill again performs impressively, winning nearly 72% of defensive duels and a strong percentage of aerial duels (68%).
– Min-Jae Kim matches physicality with intelligence, excelling particularly in tackle success (83%).
– Axel Disasi deploys his strength and discipline, choosing tackles carefully and using positioning smartly.
– Josko Gvardiol, more aggressive and proactive, is effective in challenges and maintains a low bookings rate, an often-overlooked part of defensive reliability.
– Sven Botman combines anticipation (over 7 possession-adjusted interceptions per 90) with discipline, minimizing fouls.
With Liverpool’s commitment to a high defensive line, pace and recovery runs are essential. Disasi, Ndicka, and Kim particularly stand out for their speed and sweeper capabilities.
Leadership and Tactical Organization: Beyond Defensive Ability
Replacing Van Dijk’s physical and technical attributes is challenging; replicating his authoritative leadership is tougher still. He’s consistently organized and motivated the back line, ensuring compactness and discipline in pressing and maintaining Liverpool’s aggressive high line.
Any future leader must:
– Be vocal and proactive, capable of organizing defensive shape.
– Manage the offside trap and maintain discipline among teammates.
– Lead with confidence, potentially stepping up as a future captain.
Axel Disasi, as Monaco’s vice-captain and frequent team leader, has displayed these qualities under pressure. Pau Torres brings experience from leadership roles at Villarreal and with Spain. Others, such as Kim and Gvardiol, have demonstrated organizational skills in challenging tactical environments.
Final Recommendations: Who Should Succeed Van Dijk?
After analyzing each candidate on progression, defending, and leadership, Axel Disasi of Monaco stands out as the most well-rounded, realistic target. He combines physical power, leadership, sound distribution, and tactical intelligence. Disasi’s valuation, relative to his ability, also makes him a cost-effective option for Liverpool.
However, Min-Jae Kim (Napoli) and Levi Colwill (Brighton) also offer compelling arguments and may be preferred depending on tactical preferences and transfer market developments. Should Liverpool have the resources, Josko Gvardiol would bring dynamism and top-tier quality, though his cost is likely prohibitive.
As Liverpool look toward the next era, identifying a centre-back who mirrors Van Dijk’s blend of technical skill, defensive acumen, and leadership will be crucial to sustaining their ambitions in domestic and European competition. Axel Disasi fits the mold as a leader for today and tomorrow.
