Liverpool are now six points clear in the Premier League title race. Manchester City’s defeat to Leicester City yesterday followed a similar loss to Crystal Palace. Liverpool, meanwhile, defeated Newcastle United 4-0 at home in a comfortable Anfield romp.
Yesterday, BBC’s Match of the Day highlighted the difference between Liverpool at this time last year and present day.
The Reds are, remarkable, 16 points better off but have actually only scored two more goals than they managed at the same stage last season.
The incredible difference is in the goals against column. Liverpool have conceded just seven goals this season, down 16 from the 23 they had conceded at this stage last season.
So it is not rocket science to see what has caused Liverpool’s turnaround.
It is the signature of both Virgil van Dijk and Alisson.
Last season, Liverpool were struggling at the back with the likes of Joel Matip, Dejan Lovren and Ragnar Klavan proving inconsistent. Loris Karius, meanwhile, was never a beacon of calm.
Last January, they signed Virgil van Dijk for a reported £75 million, according to the BBC. This summer they signed the Brazilian keeper for £66.9 million, as reported by The Guardian.
At the time, both were world record transfer fees for the respective positions (Alisson has since been overtaken by Kepa Arrizabalaga).
So Liverpool’s current success has not come cheap. A combined tally of £141.9 million.
When Liverpool sold Philippe Coutinho last January many fans were disappointed in the decision. Considering, as reported by The Times, Barcelona paid £142 million, it is clear the Brazilian has paid for this defensive improvement.
It looks like selling Coutinho has given Liverpool the missing link toward winning the Premier League title. Seems a worthwhile sale now.