5 Amazing Things Liverpool Have Done This Season

#2 The signing of Virgil Van Dijk

Van Dijk has improved Liverpool's defense since his signing.

There are so many decisions that Jurgen Klopp got right this season. Spending £75million on a world-class central-back is definitely one of them. The club signed Southampton defender, Virgil Van Dijk, during the winter transfer window. The Dutch was acquired in order to overcome the defensive weaknesses that plighted the team.

Before the arrival of the Dutchman, the worst thing about The Reds was probably their defensive unit. Joel Matip and Dejan Lovren looked adrift at times, while Ragnar Klavan was probably a bit over the hill to be effective every week. But since the arrival of the Colossus, things have started to get much better.

According to research done by the Al Under Pressure podcast, below is how the player improved the Liverpool backline after his first 10 games with the club:

The 26-year-old has the best aerial duel win rate in the competition with 76% and has helped the back four oversee between 20% – 50% reduction in a few other key areas.

For example, there has been a massive 50% less non-penalty goals conceded since Van Dijk arrived at the club. There has been 20% shots conceded during gameweeks 24-31, with 27% less headers conceded and a huge 43% less non-penalty big chances conceded.

In addition, the central-back has been rock-solid. He has displayed a kind of leadership and communication skill that clearly shows why Klopp spent such fee on him. Liverpool no longer concede many goals like they used to, and that is typical if you look at their Champions League clash with Manchester City.