Liverpool star told he can do ‘much more’ for the club by copying standout team-mate’s trait

Liverpool star told he can do ‘much more’ for the club by copying standout team-mate’s trait

Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk can have an even greater impact on Liverpool by using and honing his attacking skills, says Marco van Basten.

The Dutch defender has proven to be a fantastic asset to manager Jurgen Klopp since his arrival in 2018. Together with goalkeeper Alisson Becker, the pair eventually transformed the Reds from a top-four team to a title-winning team.

The former Southampton man has become a standout leader for Liverpool. He has received praise from a number of experts for his success in one-on-one combat and his aerial presence.

The 30-year-old has regained his place in Liverpool this season after suffering a serious knee injury during the previous campaign.

According to Netherlands legend Van Basten, though, his fellow countryman could do “much more” to help Liverpool.

Raheem Sterling and Virgil van Dijk (Photo Credit: Getty Images)

The 57-year-old urged Van Dijk to focus more on his attacking threat of long-range passing. In addition, Van Basten insisted that Van Dijk could come forward, which teamate Joel Matip has made a name for.

“Of course, his development has really gone from low to high, and he is definitely at the top now,” Van Basten told Ziggo Sport.

“He’s a grandiose defender and a grandiose player. He’s fast, he can head well, he has good passing, good technique and yet I do think he can still improve, especially in his presence.

“He could be controlling, use possession quicker, midfield play quicker, getting the ball forward in the right way.

“I think he can do much more, he often limits himself to playing the ball to his full-backs, but he has a great pass in him. He can dribble in, he has good technique to do it, he can be much more dominant.”

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