Who Partners Van Dijk This Weekend? A Tactical Dilemma for Liverpool

As Liverpool gear up for the clash against Brentford, all eyes are on who will partner Virgil van Dijk in the heart of defence. This is no ordinary selection issue; it’s a tactical decision that could shape the outcome of the game. Sam McGuire, in his recent analysis, delves into the options at hand, shedding light on the challenges Arne Slot faces as he prepares his squad.

The Ipswich Test: Quansah’s Learning Curve

In Liverpool’s recent encounter with Ipswich Town, young centre-back Jarell Quansah was thrust into the spotlight. McGuire rightly points out that Quansah had a decent first half but struggled physically against Ipswich’s Liam Delap. Winning just 50% of his duels, Quansah’s performance affected Liverpool’s ability to control the game, a crucial aspect of their tactical setup. McGuire’s observation that “if they weren’t able to pin the hosts back, they couldn’t control the ball, the game state or the tempo” highlights the importance of a dominant central defender in Liverpool’s strategy.

Arne Slot’s decision to replace Quansah with Ibrahima Konate at half-time proved significant. Konate’s immediate impact was evident as he won 80% of his duels, compared to Quansah’s 50%. McGuire notes, “If you bring on a player and they win 30% more duels, you’re going to be in a better position.” This statistical comparison underscores the difference Konate made, although it’s essential to acknowledge that Ipswich’s fatigue also played a role in the second-half dynamics.

Konate vs Quansah: The Selection Conundrum

The dilemma for Slot is whether to stick with the experienced Konate or give Quansah another chance to prove himself. McGuire articulates this predicament well: “You could make a case for Quansah to get the nod again. How is he going to learn from his mistakes and develop as a player if he’s benched?” On the other hand, Konate’s solid performance against Ipswich and his proven ability to handle physical duels make him a strong candidate to start alongside Van Dijk.

This is not just about one game. It’s about managing player development while also securing immediate results. Slot must weigh the long-term benefits of nurturing Quansah against the short-term need for stability at the back. McGuire aptly puts it, “There’s no right or wrong pick here. He needs to manage the situation and the players in a way that benefits the team in both the short-term and the long-term.”

Brentford’s Threat: Yoane Wissa

Whoever partners Van Dijk will face a tough challenge in Brentford’s Yoane Wissa. McGuire highlights Wissa’s physicality and directness, noting that he won 85% of his ground duels and 100% of his aerial duels in Brentford’s last game. Wissa’s aggression could be particularly problematic for Quansah, who might be overly eager to prove himself after his struggle against Ipswich.

McGuire’s insight that “Wissa was a handful last season too, winning 50% of his ground duels and 44% of his aerials” serves as a reminder of the threat Brentford poses. With Wissa’s track record against Liverpool—having scored more against the Reds than any team except West Ham—Slot’s decision becomes even more crucial.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

Liverpool fans understand the importance of nurturing young talent like Quansah, but we also recognise the need for experience in crucial matches. This weekend’s game against Brentford is one such occasion where experience might outweigh the long-term benefits of playing a young centre-back. Konate’s impressive physicality and his ability to win duels make him the ideal partner for Van Dijk in this encounter.

While it’s important for Quansah to gain experience, throwing him into the deep end against a physically dominant player like Wissa could do more harm than good. A cautious approach, where Quansah is gradually integrated into high-pressure situations, might serve him and the team better in the long run. As McGuire notes, the decision will not only impact the match but also offer insights into Slot’s management style. We trust that Slot will make the right call, balancing the need for immediate results with the long-term development of our future stars.