Virgil van Dijk demands 'tight unit' as new-look Liverpool defence exposed in wild 2-2 Newcastle draw

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Liverpool captain Virgil Van Dijk has urged patience after Liverpool were held to a 2-2 draw by Newcastle United in Andoni Iraola’s first game in charge of the Reds, with the skipper admitting his side still need time to adapt to the new manager’s tactical demands. “I think everyone will understand that if anyone new comes in it just takes a little bit of time.” That emerging word was the overarching message from the Liverpool skipper: time.

The game reflected in a multitude of ways how the Reds are not only adapting to a new tactical system but also attempting to establish a new centre-back partnership, with the captain sharing minutes with both of his potential defensive partners against the Magpies. It’s down to all of us to make sure we are a tight unit.” The skipper was particularly revealing when discussing why Liverpool continued to concede from similar counter-attacking situations.

Ultimately, Van Dijk’s reaction suggested that Liverpool’s defensive struggles are being viewed as a consequence of transition rather than a long-term problem. Liverpool’s next fixture against Nottingham Forest could therefore provide an early indication of whether that defensive understanding is beginning to develop, and whether Iraola’s Reds can look considerably more formidable at the back.