After Liverpool made easy work of West Ham, the FC crew examine what makes the Reds capable of challenging Man City for the Premier League title. ESPN FC's Paul Mariner calls Liverpool's attacking prowess against West Ham "a joy to watch", hailing the debut of newcomer Naby Keita. Paul Mariner defends his selections and omissions in the first team of the weekend of the Premier League season.
Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk believes the team are already benefiting from goalkeeper Alisson's vocal presence and distribution skills.
Alisson enjoyed a comfortable competitive debut on Sunday, facing just two shots on target during the 4-0 home win over West Ham.
But the Brazil international showed his comfort with the ball at his feet, leaving Van Dijk confident that he can improve Liverpool's attacking threat this season.
"We speak a lot. He's very vocal and that helps. It helps me and everyone in the backline. I think his presence is very good as well," Van Dijk said.
"He has a lot of qualities on the ball that helps us playing. We've worked on it [our relationship] the whole preseason, and we'll keep practicing. There's still a lot to do.
"It's just one game. We had a good preseason with good results and games where we've played very well, but we can do a lot better and it's just the start. I think the key is we need to be very consistent and do it every game."
Van Dijk, who said Alisson had settled in very well, was partnered by 21-year-old Joe Gomez in the centre of defence against West Ham with Dejan Lovren, Joel Matip and Ragnar Klavan all missing through injury.
"I was not really worried, to be fair," the Netherlands international said. "I've played a couple of games preseason with Joe at centre-back and I have a very good relationship with him, a very good understanding outside of the pitch as well. We need everyone in the squad."
Meanwhile, Liverpool midfielder Marko Grujic has turned down two domestic loan moves as he looks for a temporary move abroad, a source has told ESPN FC.
Grujic, 22, rejected the chance rejoin Cardiff on a season-long loan after helping them achieve promotion to the Premier League last season.
Championship side Middlesbrough, who had been keen on a loan move for him in January, registered interest again but the source said the Serbia international believes he will have other options with European transfer windows still open.
Grujic, who joined from Red Star Belgrade for £5.1 million in January 2016, is highly rated at Anfield but it is recognised that he will struggle for regular action due to increased midfield competition. Liverpool would want him to sign a new contract before any departure, according to the source.
Simon Mignolet, Divock Origi, Lazar Markovic and Pedro Chirivella are other players on the fringes who could leave before the end of August. Klavan, who has entered the final year of his contract, could also join that list and a source told ESPN FC that Liverpool will consider offers.
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Source: espn.co.uk