Liverpool’s Backbone: Why Van Dijk & Alisson Are Still Crucial

Numbers Don't Lie with Dave Davis & Michael Reid | Van Dijk's Elite Stats, Alisson's Future and Liverpool's Three Contract Decisions

Part 2.

Dave Davis is joined by Opta analyst Michael Reid for another edition of Numbers Don't Lie on Anfield Index, with Liverpool's three biggest contract decisions coming under the statistical spotlight.

With Virgil van Dijk, Alisson Becker and Alexis Mac Allister all expressing a desire to remain at Anfield, Julian Ward faces some crucial decisions about the future of Liverpool's squad.

But do the numbers justify keeping all three?

Michael examines Alisson's performances this season and explains why the Brazilian remains one of the world's finest goalkeepers despite questions surrounding his distribution and injury record.

With his save percentage back above 70% and his shot-stopping statistics showing a significant improvement from last season, Dave and Michael discuss why replacing Alisson would be an enormous challenge.

Attention then turns to Virgil van Dijk, whose defensive numbers remain extraordinary at 35.

The Liverpool captain has recorded a 75% duel success rate and a remarkable 79% aerial duel success rate this season, with Michael finding no statistical evidence of a significant decline.

Dave and Michael also examine Van Dijk's leadership, his partnership with Jeremy Jacquet and the importance of retaining experienced players to guide Liverpool's younger defenders.

Alexis Mac Allister's impressive resurgence adds another dimension to the debate, with the Argentine now establishing himself as one of Andoni Iraola's most important players.

Could Liverpool afford to lose any of these three? Would one-year extensions for Van Dijk and Alisson offer the perfect compromise? And will Julian Ward act before it's too late?

All this and more on Numbers Don't Lie with Dave Davis and Michael Reid, exclusively on Anfield Index.
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