Virgil van Dijk believes that Arne Slot’s greatest contribution to Liverpool so far has been the improvements he’s made to their defence.
Under the Dutchman, the Reds have won all but one of their Premier League games, with Slot seamlessly taking on the challenge of replacing Jurgen Klopp.
Liverpool have only conceded three goals in their eight matches, boasting the best defensive record in the league as they sit at the top of the table.
Virgil van Dijk, a key figure in the backline, usually partners with goalkeeper Alisson, though the Brazilian is currently sidelined by injury.
As one of Klopp’s most pivotal signings, Van Dijk was instrumental in the club’s domestic and European triumphs.
Now, under Slot, he has noticed significant tactical changes.
The centre-back particularly highlighted how the team’s strikers are contributing to their defensive shape, emphasizing that the improvement is a collective effort.
He said: “I think it is the work we put in and it starts up front. That is the most important thing.
“You saw Darwin (Nunez) coming on against Chelsea, winning balls on the edge of our box and that is a good sign.
“It’s obviously a good basis to have because if you are defensively solid and you’re not conceding many goals or any goals at all, I think that is always a good way to success.
“I think at the start of the season, we saw numbers about what happens if your opponent is in the final third, how many bodies do we have behind the ball and I would say that has definitely changed.
“I wouldn’t say it’s [just] the last line and the goalkeepers making a difference, especially it’s the guys in front of us again, so it’s a team effort.
“I know how it works, me and Ibou (Ibrahima Konate) as the centre-backs or the goalkeepers will get the credit for the clean sheets but it’s all about everyone in the team and credit to everyone who is doing that.
“And I am happy with the clean sheets, so hopefully we can get a lot more this season and be successful.”
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