Van Dijk points out one issue Liverpool must solve before the Premier League opener

Liverpool is entering the new season with an almost completely revamped defense. Captain Virgil van Dijk admits that new signings like Ronald Araujo and Jeremy Jacquet will need more time to build chemistry at Anfield.

Liverpool has made significant changes to its defense this summer. Ibrahima Konate and Andy Robertson have both left the club, while Joe Gomez suffered a muscle injury in the first friendly of the preseason.

Given that situation, the Merseyside club was forced to add personnel. Ronald Araujo arrived at Anfield on a season-long loan from Barcelona, while Jeremy Jacquet officially joined the squad after the French defender's deal was completed back in February.

Both Araujo and Jacquet played in Liverpool's 2-0 victory over Como at Anfield on Sunday. Notably, Jacquet left his mark with a goal. Although he appreciates his two new teammates, captain Virgil van Dijk believes Liverpool cannot expect the defense to operate perfectly immediately.

“We just need to play a lot. I'm not saying it's the only way, but actual matches are completely different from training sessions,”, Van Dijk shared when asked about building chemistry with the new center-backs.

The Dutch center-back also pointed out an issue Liverpool needs to address: communication among the players.

“Jeremy Jacquet's English, in my opinion, is a bit better than Ronald Araujo's. But ultimately, we are all good enough players to observe, read the situation, and know how to defend at each moment,” Van Dijk said.

According to Liverpool's captain, it is completely normal for new players to need time to understand each other.

“Obviously you have to build a connection and that takes a bit of time. For me, this is completely normal. But hopefully we can build chemistry as quickly as possible.”

Van Dijk's comments partly show the big challenge for Liverpool ahead of the new season. After finishing only fifth in the Premier League last season, the Anfield side not only needs to improve their results but also quickly stabilize a defense that has undergone many upheavals.

The challenge will come very soon. Liverpool begins their Premier League campaign with an away trip to Newcastle United on August 23. This will also be the first real test for the new defensive backbone of the Merseyside club.