Van Basten: Van Dijk can still improve

Van Basten has urged

to focus more on his attacking threat from long-range passing.

The 30 year old Van Dijk joined

in 2018 and since then has been a standout leader for Jurgen Klopp’s side.

Van Basten told Ziggo Sport:

“Of course, his development has really gone from low to high, and he is definitely at the top now.

“He’s a grandiose defender and a grandiose player. He’s fast, he can head well, he has good passing, good technique and yet I do think he can still improve, especially in his presence.

“He could be controlling, use possession quicker, midfield play quicker, getting the ball forward in the right way.

“I think he can do much more, he often limits himself to playing the ball to his full-backs, but he has a great pass in him. He can dribble in; he has good technique to do it. He can be much more dominant.

“The slower he goes, the harder it becomes for the midfielders and attackers to get that ball right to go on the attack.

“He plays an important role; he needs to have that intention to go forward and to find depth, and if that doesn’t work, then go sideways instead. He’s content with what he’s doing now.”

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