Virgil van Dijk’s incredible durability has raised an important question for Liverpool: should the club spend on another defender or trust the options already available?
After the 2026 World Cup group stage, Virgil van Dijk emerged as the sole outfield player from Europe’s top seven leagues to have played every minute of the tournament, having completed every minute of his domestic league campaign.
The Liverpool captain’s consistency is truly remarkable however, availability long-term for Van Dijk also raises a potential issue for the Reds.
If he remains fit, he’s almost certain to be the first-choice centre-back under Andoni Iraola, but the question Liverpool faces is whether investing heavily in another defender makes sense given the limited opportunities.
A complex centre-back situation
Liverpool’s current defensive options paint an interesting picture, as Giovanni Leoni has been absent since suffering an injury during his Liverpool debut in the League Cup last September and Jeremy Jacquet has also been unavailable since picking up a shoulder injury in January.
Both players are considered crucial to Liverpool’s future plans but have yet to make a Premier League appearance.
Joe Gomez offers experience and versatility but has had limited recent success at centre-back, as he only started one Premier League match in that position last season and has appeared there sporadically in recent years, which leaves Liverpool with a decision to make.
The case for another signing
There’s an argument that Liverpool needs more security, as a season can quickly change due to injuries suspensions or fixture congestion, especially with Champions League football adding extra demands.
Relying solely on Van Dijk’s incredible availability is risky and a new signing could provide immediate competition and alleviate pressure on younger players recovering from injury, whilst also give Iraola another option as he implements his system.
The case against
However, there’s another perspective, as a top-quality centre-back might expect regular football.
If Van Dijk remains the clear starter and Leoni and Jacquet are expected to move ahead in the pecking order once fully fit, convincing another defender to join could be difficult.
Liverpool also have other areas requiring attention, with their attack needs rebuilding after Salah’s departure, midfield requires further evolution and squad depth remains an important consideration, and funds cannot be unlimited.
Author’s View: Van Dijk’s durability will be tested and a defender may be necessary
Liverpool’s defensive decision may come down to timing, and the club may not need another centre-back because they lack talent, but may need one because of uncertainty.
Leoni, Jacquet and Gomez all offer different solutions, but none currently provide the same guarantee as Van Dijk, as the Dutchman’s longevity has been extraordinary, but Liverpool’s challenge is preparing for the future while still competing immediately.
The answer may not be signing another defender at all costs, it may simply be ensuring they have enough quality and reliability when their captain eventually needs more protection.
