Liverpool legend David Fairclough has insisted that he would like to see Virgil van Dijk start against Everton in the FA Cup this evening.
The Reds announced the signing of Van Dikj for a reported fee of £75m, thereby making him the world’s costliest defender, from Southampton last week, with the Dutchman officially joining the Merseyside giants on New Year’s Day.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp admitted on Thursday that he is unsure about playing Van Dijk in the Merseyside derby at Anfield.
But Fairclough, who wants Van Dijk to start against Everton, believes the centre-back will not be fazed by making his Liverpool debut in such a high-voltage clash.
“I would like to see him start”, he told LFC TV, when asked if Klopp should start with Van Dijk against the Toffees.
relatedNewsStory
“I don’t think he will be fazed by the occasion, he has plenty of experience.
“I think he will give everybody a boost.
“He will be ready for it, it’s not like you are throwing in somebody new to the game.
“I think I would do [start with him].”
Van Dijk, who made 12 Premier League appearances for Southampton in the present campaign, last turned out for the Saints during their 4-1 loss to Leicester City on 13th December.
It remains to be seen if Van Dijk’s inclusion boosts Liverpool’s defence, which has conceded 25 goals in the Premier League this season, the highest amongst the top five clubs in the division.
