Liverpool news: Reds need to sign Virgil van Dijk four times over - Mark Lawrenson

LIVERPOOL need four versions of Virgil van Dijk to bolster their defence.

11:28, Thu, Oct 26, 2017 | UPDATED: 11:29, Thu, Oct 26, 2017

Given: Liverpool needed a plan B after failing to sign Van Dijk

That’s according to former Reds star Mark Lawrenson amid his old side’s ongoing backline issues.

Liverpool were desperate to add Van Dijk to their defensive ranks over the summer but Southampton refused to sell.

Jurgen Klopp’s team have since been held back by the same problems that prevented them from progressing last term.

Liverpool’s goal difference in the Premier League stands at -2 in the wake of Sunday’s 4-1 defeat to Tottenham at Wembley.

Although Lawrenson believes Van Dijk would improve their defence, he says the Dutchman is not the only player they need.

I get this Virgil van Dijk all day long, but we need four of them!
Liverpool hero Mark Lawrenson speaks out

Lawrenson told the Liverpool Echo: "You have got to be pessimist when you are defender.

"You expect your partner to miss everything, your goalkeeper to drop everything and your left-back is rubbish.

"It’s the just way it is but if you keep rotating then it’s difficult to understand the strengths and weaknesses.

Virgil Van Dijk plays for Southampton versus Crystal Palace in the Premier League GETTY

Liverpool were desperate to sign Southampton star Virgil Van Dijk over the summer

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Jurgen Klopp coaches Liverpool versus Maribor in the Champions League GETTY

Jurgen Klopp has seen his Liverpool side concede 16 goals in nine Premier League games this season

"Virtually every player we have got [at the back] isn’t quite good enough and that’s a real difficult thing as you are not going to replace all of them.

"I get this Virgil van Dijk all day long, but we need four of them!"

Liverpool will be hoping to get back to winning ways on Saturday (3pm) when they face Huddersfield in the Premier League.