3 long-term replacements for Virgil van Dijk at Liverpool
Virgil van Dijk has established himself as one of the most talented defenders in Europe since joining Liverpool from Southampton in 2018. He has played 191 games in all competitions for the Reds so far, registering 17 goals and 11 assists.
Van Dijk also has 84 clean sheets in 203 Premier League appearances.
Premier League
Virgil Van Dijk since signing for Liverpool in 2017/18:
🏆 Premier League
🏆 Champions League
🏆 UEFA Super Cup
🏆 Club World Cup
🏆 UEFA Men's Player of the Year
🏆 PFA Players' Player of the Year
🏆 Premier League Player of the Season
Happy 30th birthday, @VirgilvDijk https://t.co/lBb9Pe8YL6
The Dutch international has helped the Merseyside outfit win several trophies — including one Premier League title and one UEFA Champions League trophy. He won the Premier League Player of the Season in 2019 and has also been part of the Premier League Team of the Season on three occasions.
However, he turned 31 this year and has shown some signs of decline this season. The Reds can't depend on him for long and will need to sign his replacement going forward.
Let's take a look at three defenders who can replace Virgil van Dijk at Liverpool.
#3 Armel Bella-Kotchap
According to Fichajes.net, Liverpool are interested in signing Southampton's Armel Bella-Kotchap as a replacement for Virgil van Dijk in the near future.
Bella-Kotchap has been impressive for the Saints since joining from VfL Bochum this summer. His key strengths are concentration, passing and good aerial ability. He has played seven Premier League games so far this season and has averaged 1.6 tackles, 2.4 interceptions and 4.6 clearances per 90 minutes (via WhoScored).
The defender's performances at St. Mary's Park also caught the attention of Germany manager Hansi Flick, who gave him his international debut last month.
Liverpool have signed several key players from Southampton in recent years, including Sadio Mane and Virgil van Dijk. They could raid the south coast club again to replace their star defender in the coming years.
#2 Josko Gvardiol
RB Leipzig's Josko Gvardiol is currently among the most sought-after defenders in Europe.
Gvardiol has established himself as one of the most talented defenders in the Bundesliga since his move from Dinamo Zagreb in 2020. He has made 55 appearances for the Red Bulls so far.
Josko Gvardiol against VfL Bochum: 
90 Minutes 
🇭🇷 Josko Gvardiol against VfL Bochum:
🔘90 Minutes
🔘134 Touches
🔘124 Passes
🔘95% Pass Accuracy
🔘7/11 Long Balls
🔘1/2 Duels Won
🔘0 Times Dribbled Past
🔘2 Interceptions
🔘1 Clearance
Passing master. #RBLBOC #RBL https://t.co/tuLvbjm0AB
The Croatia international is a versatile defender who is capable of playing as a left-back or at centre-back. He is known for his passing and tackling ability, and reads the game well.
According to WhoScored, he has averaged 0.3 tackles, 0.5 interceptions and one clearance per 90 in the league this season. He has also completed 89.5 per cent of his attempted passes in the German top division.
However, the 20-year-old defender recently signed a long-term contract with the German club and will likely demand a hefty transfer fee to sell him.
#1 Ronald Araujo
Regarded as one of the most promising defenders in Europe, Ronald Araujo could be a perfect long-term replacement for Virgil van Dijk at Liverpool.
Araujo has been a consistent performer for Barcelona since breaking into their first team during the 2020-21 season. The Uruguay international is lightning quick and plays with authority on the pitch. He is an exceptional passer of the ball and is also good in the air.
The 23-year-old has played six games in the league and has averaged 1.3 tackles, 1.2 interceptions and 1.8 clearances per 90 in the league (via WhoScored). He also has a passing success rate of 87.3 per cent in La Liga.
However, Araujo is a key player for the Blaugrana and recently signed a new contract at Camp Nou. It will take a lot of pursuation from Jurgen Klopp to bring him to Anfield.