It is a long road ahead for Liverpool without their talismanic defender Virgil van Dijk but in the immediate aftermath of his likely season-ending injury, there are reasons for cautious optimism at Anfield. In the seven games after Van Dijk was left crocked at Goodison Park, Liverpool have conceded only three goals. In Van Dijk's seven other appearances of the 2020-21 season, Liverpool conceded 14. It happens so often in football - a team loses their star man and the squad steps up so efficiently, there are even signs that suggest an improvement.

No, this doesn't make sense, at least not yet.

Wait for a tough opponents, wait for the fresh legs got tired.

a team loses their star man and the squad steps up so efficiently, there are even signs that suggest an improvement.

It's true though. we have seen that a lot in the past... but you need a lot more games to talk about Liv's defenders now

While I agree, teammates tend to step up when they lose a player, especially one of their leaders, that will only last so long before true quality plays out. VVG is a monster when healthy so losing him long-term will show up at some point.

Now, factor in Allison's being in and out of the line-up as well. Games when both are in tend to be more relaxing for the team. They can get away with more risk because of the two stars they have behind them. When gone, they are less risky and more disciplined, which can translate to a stingier defense.

Klopp plays a crazy style with a high press and super energy. That will expose teams who don't have the quality or the discipline to play their role. You take away the top quality yet keep the style, it will wear thin at some point.

Scary thing is, Liverpool is tied for first still, even with all the injuries. If they can shore up the defense in the window, it will let the attack get more aggressive.

They are not better at least not long term. Det think also that the most important person in liverpool is Klopp. It is mainly his philosophy that is making them so good.