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Virgil van Dijk insists Liverpool aren’t playing a higher line after criticism of defence


The Dutch centre-back insists the Reds aren’t doing anything differently this season (Picture: Getty)

Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has rejected suggestions that the side are playing a higher defensive line this season amid criticism of their performances at the back.

The Merseysiders are yet to keep a clean sheet this season despite being dominant defensively in the 2018/19 campaign, while Jamie Carragher was notably critical of the way they have tried to play teams offside.

But Van Dijk says Liverpool have not changed their approach and the introduction of VAR – with linesman encouraged to keep their flag down – is simply exaggerating how open the defence really is.

Liverpool’s back-line has uncharacteristically leaked chances this season (Picture: Getty)

Asked if they are playing higher up the pitch, Van Dijk told The Times: ‘In certain situations it looks like it [a high line] but I don’t think we’re doing things differently.

‘There were certain goals disallowed and it looks then that we’re not defending pretty well.’

Probed on whether they were trying to play offside more now VAR has been introduced, he continued: ‘No, no! It’s nothing to do with VAR.

‘The new rule is we have to play on until the whistle, and sometimes it looks a bit chaotic, especially when we have a high line, and the player is offside and we still play on.’

Liverpool conceded twice against Chelsea in the UEFA Super Cup (Picture: PA Wire)

Having failed to keep clean sheets against Norwich, Chelsea and Southampton, Liverpool now face an even more imposing attack when Arsenal visit Anfield on Saturday and Van Dijk knows he needs to be at the top of his game.

Asked about taking on Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, he added: ‘They’re fantastic finishers, both of them. They’ve got pace, but overall Arsenal are just a great team. They have a clear plan of playing. It’s a fantastic game to play in.’





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