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This is a Thread on how Virgil Van Dijk's absence in the 20/21 campaign has had a massive direct and knock on effect on how Liverpool play as a team. 
First lets start with Virgil's most important attribute which is his defending mainly his recovery speed and interceptions. With these sets of skills Liverpool can play a very high line that is crucial to the team maintaining their shape in the counter press.
In the 19/20 Premier League campaign for Liverpool the Dutch International averaged 1.1 Interceptions,4.3 clearances,0.4 blocks and 0.6 tackles per game.
Moving on, with him being 193cm he is known for his ariel presence something that was benefitial to the team in both defending and attacking. Last season in the league he managed to score 5 goals all from set pieces. He also averaged 5 ariel duals won per game.
Mountain.
Mountain.
Moving on to his passing. He is one of the best ball playing CB's in the world which is why he became the metronome of Klopps side. Being the Key distributor in first phase of build up and averaging the most passes for his team at 85 per game with 89.1% success rate.
Virgil also completed the most passes in the 19/20 Premier League Campaign.(2902). Furthermore averaging 5.4 long balls,0.3 key passes and 0.1 through balls per game, while also having 1 assist.
A true modern day Centre Back.
A true modern day Centre Back.
So far we have discussed his direct contribution to Liverpool's team while playing games but his absence has had a domino effect. With him and fellow teammates and CB's Joe Gomez and Joel Matip also getting injured for the rest of the season and not being available(1)
Midfielders such as Fabinho and Jordan Henderson has had to fill in at Centre Back weakening and leaving a gap in Liverpools midfield which in result hurts the teams structure and attacking play. (2)
Finally his leadership qualities are also important to highlight. Being the teams vice-captain he was an important presence in the dressing room and on the pitch being a vocal leader organising the backline in games and boosting the players mentality.
In conclusion VVD missing most of the 20/21 season has shown how much of an influence he previously had on the team and the players. Undoubtedly our best and most important player. Hope he recovers well and comes back next season stronger than ever.
End of Thread. RTs much appreciated. 
