Virgil van Dijk was issued a warning ahead of his first season under Andoni Iraola at Liverpool, with the head coach told of what an issue at the club is after Arne Slot was fired.
Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool looks dejected following the Premier League match between Manchester United and Liverpool at Old Trafford on May 03, 2026 in Manchester, England.
A warning was issued to Virgil van Dijk as Andoni Iraola was told what needed to be improved
Virgil van Dijk was issued a warning, as Andoni Iraola was told what the “real issue” at Liverpool was as the head coach enters his first season with the Reds.
After a disappointing 2025/26 season, Liverpool dismissed Arne Slot, appointing Iraola to lead the club into the next era. The new head coach will have his work cut out as he attempts to get the Reds back to their winning ways with a squad filled with quality players, including the aging but still effective Van Dijk.
Now, Premier League legend Chris Waddle explained why the defense could be a problem area for the 44-year-old manager, though talks of Van Dijk finding another club have been shot down.
“Andoni Iraola has done a marvellous job, nobody can question what he achieved at Bournemouth,” Waddle began in an interview with OLBG. “He likes to play on the front foot and, as a good tactician, he prefers an attacking style that suits the way Liverpool play and what their fans want to see.
“I think they crave excitement, they want to see the team attacking. I think he will definitely do that.” While the current BBC pundit praised Iraola’s previous managerial stops, Waddle questioned whether Liverpool has the personnel to play the way Iraola wants them to.
“But are the players good enough?” he pondered. “Will he be allowed to bring in new players? Will Virgil van Dijk be playing this season? We know Mohamed Salah is gone, and regarding the new acquisitions, they’ve brought in a winger from Spain.
Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool in action during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Brentford at Anfield on May 24, 2026 in Liverpool, England
Virgil van Dijk looks to remain a solid fixture in the Liverpool lineup this season
“I’ve watched him play a few games, and he’s quite direct—he gets out wide, cuts inside, and is quick but it’s a big step up to go to Liverpool when you’re a young player.”
Per his observations, Waddle shared where he saw the team falter last season and needs to address moving forward. “Last year, while many pointed to tactics, I believe the real issue was the middle of the defence,” he continued. “If they can strengthen that, there’s no reason why Liverpool can’t challenge again this season.
“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. But I just think that central position is the key issue for Liverpool.”
He concluded by saying that despite the star’s gravity and his ability, Van Dijk could still be a weak link in the season ahead.
“He’s not going to get any quicker. He’s always read the game well and has always been technically sound,” he surmised.
“But when you lose that yard of pace, it’s difficult in the Premier League. The league is so quick. I thought that last year, regardless of who his centre-half partner was, they struggled.”
Despite van Dijk’s advanced age, the star remains at the top of the list of the world’s best. Liverpool legend John Barnes said as much, hoping the club extends the star for as long as possible after his current contract expires next year.
“I’d like to see Virgil’s contract being extended because for Iraola, he’ll need his senior players,” he said to Betfred. “Those that have been around the block and know the club… so I think it’s important that we keep a hold of Virgil next season.”