Van Dijk's impressive debut, Liverpool should not be too happy!
(Baonghean.vn) - The accurate header of the new player costing 75 million pounds in the 84th minute helped Liverpool defeat Everton with a score of 2-1 in the 5th round of the FA Cup.
Van Dijk's debut could not have been more perfect, when the Dutch midfielder scored a goal against rivals Everton right at Anfield, helping his team to an important victory. It was no surprise that experts and Liverpool fans gave Van Dijk only 'winged' words.
Objectively speaking, the former Southampton player completely deserved it. In addition to his "golden" goal, the center-back wearing the number 4 shirt also had a pretty excellent performance. He not only completed his own tasks in blocking and participating in the attack, but also showed very good ability in commanding the defense.
Witnessing what Van Dijk showed in the last match, many experts and Liverpool fans quickly assumed that the Anfield team had found the successor of Carragher, Hyypia... And the 75 million pounds that Liverpool paid Southampton in exchange for Van Dijk's signature was worth every penny.
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| Coach Klopp shares joy with his new student. Photo: Internet |
However, in football, things are not that simple. A successful debut is still no guarantee that the Dutch midfielder's future at Anfield will be 'rosy'. Because in the past, there have been many players who had impressive debuts like Van Dijk, but then experienced dark days.
Look no further than defender Gabriel Paletta. Arriving at Anfield in July 2006, the Argentine centre-back was hailed as the new Roberto Ayala. In his first appearance for the new club, Gabriel Paletta scored the winning goal that helped Liverpool beat Reading 4-3 in the League Cup (October 2006).
However, the 1986-born midfielder's next period at Anfield did not go smoothly. Gabriel Paletta could not compete for a position with his two seniors, Hyypia and Carragher.
At the end of the 2006/2007 season, the Argentine player had to leave Liverpool to return home to join Boca Juniors.
Mentioning Gabriel Paletta shows that what rookie Van Dijk just did in the match against Everton does not say anything. The risk of the £75 million midfielder becoming a failed contract for Liverpool is still quite clear. If Van Dijk and coach Klopp do not want to step into the same mistake as Gabriel Paletta in the past, they will have to try much harder.
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| Gabriel Paletta scored for Liverpool on his debut. Photo: Internet |
One thing to keep in mind is that players who used to play for Southampton often lose their identity when they move to another team. At Liverpool, besides Van Dijk, there are 4 former Southampton players: Mane, Lallana, Lovren and Clyne. All are causing disappointment at Anfield in different ways.
Midfielder Lallana and right-back Clyne are often injured, Mane and Lovren are in a terrible decline in form. Don't forget, before joining Liverpool, center-back Lovren played very well for Southampton (2013-2014) and was once considered one of the best center-backs in the Premier League.
Is it true that Southampton's 'goods' are not suitable for Liverpool?
Through the above mentioned, it can be said that coach Klopp and the fans of the "red brigade" should not be too happy about Van Dijk's impressive debut. After just one match, nothing can be confirmed. Van Dijk is the new Hyypia, the new Carragher... or the second Gabriel Paletta, the second Lovren... still have to wait for the answer of time./.
