MY ACCOUNT
Jurgen Klopp perhaps left San Siro with more questions about his Liverpool side than he might have expected following a crucial Champions League win.
Thanks to a hard-fought 2-0 victory in Milan, the Reds are in firm control of their last-16 tie against Inter prior to an Anfield rematch next month.
And that it was secured thanks in no small part to Klopp being able to use the strongest squad he has ever had at his disposal is hardly cause for concern.
But there are some downsides to possessing such an embarrassment of riches, as was evident across the pitch in Italy.
For starters, a midfield blend that had been unavailable to Klopp during Harvey Elliott’s lengthy injury absence did not stake a particularly strong claim for more starts here.
Meanwhile, selection decisions in attack were not made any easier by a mixed bag of performances from both starters and subs in forward areas.
There was, though, at least one man who showed why there should be no debate over his worth to a Liverpool team that is hoping to add yet more major honours this season: Virgil van Dijk.
“In the end I think it’s a well deserved win of course, in my opinion, but it was very hard work and it will be the same in Liverpool.”
Let’s start with the numbers, which show that the Dutchman made more clearances (seven) than any other player on the pitch across the 90 minutes along with an impressive three interceptions.
He also surrendered possession on fewer occasions than any other starting player on either side (four).
But, what those statistics cannot convey is the wider influence Liverpool’s number four had on a game that was far from as straightforward as the scoreline suggests.
It is impossible for any data to explain the first-half moment where Lautaro Martinez had Van Dijk isolated in a one-on-one situation but simply decided against trying to pass him because of his reputation.
Nor can the figures sum up the sheer resignation on Edin Dzeko’s face when he felt a familiar arm come across him just as he looked to be running in on goal during that same period of the game.
And all this is not to mention the effect Van Dijk has on his team-mates, who would not be able to keep that aggressive high line without their leader there to dictate it.
Every single one of these qualities proved vital on a night when Inter would argue they deserved far more than they got.
Simone Inzaghi deserves credit for a front-footed tactical setup that saw the hosts aggressively harry one of Europe’s most feared sides and give them countless uncomfortable moments as a result.
However, that they were unable to capitalise on those opportunities owed much to the man calmly marshalling their opponents’ defence even when things weren’t quite working perfectly in front of him.
Inter must quickly move on from that disappointment and regroup in time for a return leg that they will hope can provide one of the great comebacks in the history of two-legged European ties.
But the likelihood is that they will not be the last side to come away from facing Liverpool in the Champions League this season wondering what might have been if not for Van Dijk.
