Liverpool’s £75 million acquisition of Virgil van Dijk has certainly divided opinion.

One thing that is not up for debate, though, was the fact that Jürgen Klopp was crying out for a world-class defender.

While some were left perplexed at the astronomical fee paid to secure the services of the Dutchman, it is undoubtedly money well spent on Liverpool’s behalf.

In today’s highly inflated transfer market, prices being demanded by clubs continue to skyrocket , which is all part and parcel of the free-spending modern era that we are operating in.

Cost aside, if any uncertainties remain over Van Dijk as a player, the following statistics exemplify how much Liverpool have been requiring a stable figure such as their new man, for what feels like an eternity.

Since Klopp’s arrival at Liverpool in October 2015, the Reds have shipped over 100 Premier League goals, more than any other top six side.

League goals conceded since October 2015 (top six): 

1. Liverpool- 105  

2. Arsenal- 98 

3. Manchester City- 85 

4. Chelsea- 83 

5. Tottenham Hotspur- 74 

6. Manchester United- 72  

Set pieces, in particular, have been an element of defending that Liverpool have struggled with, showcased by the following numbers:

Most set piece goals conceded since October 2015 (top six):  

1. Liverpool- 36 

2. Manchester United- 31 

3. Arsenal- 29 

4. Manchester City- 25 

5. Tottenham- 24 

6. Chelsea- 21 

While the Reds have also committed 24 errors that have directly led to goals since Klopp took over. Only West Ham (27) and Crystal Palace( 26) have a worse record; two sides you would expect to see table-topping the list. One wouldn’t expect to see a title challenger amidst the upper echelons, however.

The defence has been an issue sat in plain sight for Klopp since day one, but it’s a cause for concern that has never seemed to be treated with the required urgency, demonstrated by the German spending just £4.2 million on centre halves during his tenure( Ragnar Klavan £4.2 million, Joel Matip free).

This isn’t just an issue that Klopp himself is responsible for creating; for this has been an area of weakness for almost a decade.

Take the 2013/14 season as a prime example of a ‘what could have been’ scenario.

As the ‘SAS’ struck opponents down and blew them out of the water, the defence straggled behind them, allowing Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge to bear the weight of fans’ high expectations.

With three games to spare, sitting five points clear, things seemed fairly routine. This was until the Crystal Palace capitulation which defied all odds.

If Liverpool had strengthened at the back effectively that season, the campaign could’ve ended in the way it should have, with Brendan Rodgers’ side hailed as winners.

Of late, there’s been a feeling of déjà vu, as the Reds’ fab four have terrorised opposition and wreaked havoc wherever they’ve played, though, a lack of defensive diligence has come back to haunt the side once more.

So just how will Van Dijk help?

Van Dijk has earnt himself the reputation of being of the best Premier League defenders, since joining Southampton in 2015 from Celtic.

His aerial prowess, strength in possession of the ball, and ability to be quick off the mark, make him a worthy candidate to bolster the defensive unit.

The Dutchman has made 67 Premier League appearances, and during that time he has failed to make a single mistake which has led directly to opposition scoring.

On the other hand, Dejan Lovren has been responsible for six errors that have led to goals whilst plying his trade in England, which leaves him two mistakes short of joining Premier League veteran Joleon Lescott and former Red Martin Skrtel at the top of the leaderboard, for the most blunders in the Premier League era (eight).

This campaign, Lovren has displayed evidence of progression, as he has seemed less panicky and more pragmatic in his decision making.

But old habits die hard and mistakes have slowly filtered back into his performances, which, as a result, have been accompanied by the return of disapproving supporters.

Like the Croatian, Simon Mignolet is another player to come under mass criticism.

Mignolet has made 18 errors that have led to goals, which ranks him joint third in the all-time standings in the modern era, of any player in any position.

Van Dijk, alone, will not instantaneously fix the complications that run deep within the rearguard, but what he will do is bring a much-needed new lease of life to a setup that seemed dead and buried a long time ago.

In the past, FSG have been scrutinised for adopting a policy of quantity over quality with signings made, but it’s safe to say in this case that this procedure has not prevailed.

As Sir Alex Ferguson once proclaimed “attack wins you games, a defence wins you titles”, which rings true in Liverpool’s case.

This is a major step in the club’s bid to return to becoming title challengers. The Reds have issued a statement of intent with this deal and it confirms that Klopp is prepared to go toe-to-toe with his rivals to the hilt.

Van Dijk’s arrival may well have laid down the foundations for a new era at the club.

Tom Cavilla.