Could an ageing Van Dijk have a problem in Iraola's Liverpool team?

With Jamie Carragher suggesting on Monday Night Football that Liverpool are not playing to the strengths of their captain Virgil van Dijk, Adam Bate looks at the problems being created for the 35-year-old defender playing Andoni Iraola football behind this midfield...

There was a moment during Liverpool’s recent win over Como that barely registered with the Anfield crowd at the time. It was their final pre-season friendly and Andoni Iraola's side won the game 2-0 with Jeremy Jacquet impressing on his debut.

During the first half there was a disagreement between Dominik Szoboszlai and Virgil van Dijk. The midfielder pressed but Como just passed the ball into the space behind him. Szoboszlai was visibly angry to find Van Dijk had not stepped up to close the gap.

Already, one game into the Premier League season, and even within five minutes of that particular game against Newcastle, there are signs that it could be a problem for Andoni Iraola. He wants his team to press high. But does his veteran captain want to do it too?

Van Dijk's failure to push up was a contributory factor in Newcastle's opener. Much was made of Anthony Elanga's 61-metre run for the goal but William Osula was able to feed him without anyone closing down, as Jamie Carragher pointed out on Sky Sports .

"Virgil van Dijk should be higher initially and if he is higher he could then make the challenge there," said Carragher. "But we are talking about a defender who is 35, coming towards the end of his career, one of the greatest players we have seen in that position."

It is a common trait with such players, as Carragher well knows. "It is very reminiscent of John Terry in that position. Do you remember John Terry under [Andre] Villas-Boas? He does not want to go in there. So you have almost got to play to the strengths of him."

He added of Van Dijk: "It is not just that Liverpool need protection in midfield and need more players there, he needs protection. This is probably the first season where he cannot help anyone else, he needs help himself." But will he get it in Iraola's system?

The Basque coach did a remarkable job in his three seasons with Bournemouth, building one of the most exciting sides in the Premier League. Iraola became renowned for his aggressive approach but it is a style that does place particular demands on his defenders.

A product of defending high is that there is often space behind. Bournemouth had the highest direct speed against of any team in the Premier League last season. That means opponents progressed the ball up the pitch quicker against them than anyone else.

At Liverpool, that could be an issue. Milos Kerkez was unable to catch Elanga but it hardly plays to the strengths of Van Dijk either. The Liverpool skipper had every quality required of a central defender in his prime but some attributes last longer than others.

He remains a formidable defender in both penalty boxes and boasts an impressive passing range with the ball at his feet anywhere on the pitch.