Waddle questions Van Dijk's place in Liverpool's starting XI under Iraola

Chris Waddle has questioned whether Virgil van Dijk will hold a regular starting berth at Liverpool this season, urging new head coach Andoni Iraola to prioritise reinforcing the centre of his defence after the club’s worst defensive campaign in the Premier League era.

Liverpool conceded 53 goals across 38 top-flight matches last season — their highest tally in a single 38-game Premier League campaign. Waddle, the former England international, believes that figure points to a structural problem that goes beyond tactics.

“I think the real issue was the middle of the defence,” Waddle told OLBG. “If they can strengthen that, there’s no reason why Liverpool can’t challenge again this season.”

Waddle acknowledged Van Dijk’s continued influence within the squad but raised doubts about whether the 33-year-old can sustain the physical demands of the Premier League. “He’s not going to get any quicker. He’s always read the game well and has always been technically sound. But when you lose that yard of pace, it’s difficult in the Premier League. The league is so quick.”

The Dutch captain, who has one year remaining on his contract at Anfield, has been linked with AC Milan and clubs in Turkey this summer. Liverpool have firmly denied any suggestion that Van Dijk is set to leave.

Waddle did not rule out a role for Van Dijk entirely, suggesting a more selective deployment could be an option. “Van Dijk obviously still has a big influence on the Liverpool squad, so you might keep him for another year and use him in specific games. But again, if he’s performing well, you play him.”

Iraola’s tenure at Anfield is now officially under way, with several first-team players back for pre-season training. Liverpool’s summer business has so far been limited to the arrivals of Jeremy Jacquet and Victor Munoz, though further transfer activity is expected as the club prepares for a pre-season tour of the United States, where they are scheduled to face Sunderland, Wrexham, and Leeds.