Klopp Defends Van Dijk After Van der Vaart Criticism
Jurgen Klopp has leapt to Virgil van Dijk's defence following criticism from Rafael van der Vaart. After the Netherlands were held to a 2-2 draw against Japan at the World Cup, Van der Vaart suggested his compatriot was beyond his prime, likening him to a large aircraft.
Van der Vaart said: "I have to be honest, I was quite shocked by Van Dijk. With him, I thought, 'That doesn't look good,' especially while turning. It is proving very difficult. A bit like a Boeing 747 turning. I hope he starts turning a bit faster during the tournament."
The Netherlands went on to thrash Sweden 5-1, with Van Dijk contributing to one of the tournament's most commanding displays thus far. Klopp, who is currently working for MagentaTV in North America, dismissed Van der Vaart's criticism.
Klopp said: "I'm not entirely sure if it's worth mentioning Van der Vaart. But if he ever says something positive about any player at some point, then I'll be happy to take him seriously again. You get the feeling he sees something, and then it has to be formulated in a flowery way, and then he's really against it. But that way it's really not important."
Liverpool Warned Over Yan Diomande Fee
Liverpool have been cautioned against overpaying for Yan Diomande after having their initial offer for the Ivory Coast star turned down. The Reds had an £87 million bid rejected by RB Leipzig, who are hoping to keep the 19-year-old for at least another season.
Undaunted, Liverpool are prepared to submit another offer, with Leipzig seeking closer to £100 million if they are to sell their prized asset this summer. There are suggestions the German club may demand as much as £112 million.
According to former Premier League striker Jay Bothroyd, that represents excessive expenditure for a player who has yet to truly prove himself at the elite level. He told Sky Sports: "I'm not paying £112 million for him. There is no doubt about it, he is a very good player. But £112 million? That would describe you as one of the world's best wingers and I'm not sure that he is."
Bothroyd added: "If it is £85 million, I think that is a good valuation from Liverpool. I think that is a fair valuation. Going above that, though, I can't see that, and I don't think it would be good value for money. When you are spending that kind of money on a player, you have to be one of the best in the world in that position. I don't think he's one of the best in the world."
Andoni Iraola Settles In at Liverpool
Andoni Iraola has wasted little time in settling into his role at Liverpool. The new Reds manager has been in charge for just a few weeks but has already completed his first signing in Victor Munoz. Liverpool secured the Spain international after triggering the £34.6 million release clause in his Osasuna contract.
The transfer market remains fairly quiet at present, with most focus centred on the World Cup. However, with one target through the door, the club is now working relentlessly to strengthen the squad further following such a disappointing title defence, which resulted in the dismissal of Arne Slot and the arrival of Iraola.
