Liverpool have a tricky period to navigate after the current international break. The Reds are scheduled to face the likes of Watford, Manchester City and Benfica once returning to action in April, as Jurgen Klopp chases silverware in numerous competitions.
The German coach will have to use his squad to get through the packed calendar, but certain players will remain central by playing virtually every match. Ahead of the bout, who looks set to act as Liverpool's key man in the coming weeks?
Upon inspection of the team's upcoming opponents, it is reasonable to highlight Virgil van Dijk as vital. He always tends to be central to victories acquired by Klopp's men but this time around, that looks set to be the case even more so than usual.
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Watford are first up. They could be deemed as a relatively easy fixture but despite their position in the Premier League table, they have proved to be capable of causing problems for the Reds in the past.
Ismaila Sarr in particular tends to perform well. He scored twice when he last faced Liverpool as Watford won 3-0, with his speed causing issues for Klopp's offside trap at the time.
Benfica also have the necessary speed to test the Reds and their desire to catch opponents offside. Darwin Nunez and Rafa Silva are two pacey forwards who are capable of threatening in behind, and the same can be said for Pep Guardiola's attackers at the Etihad.
The likes of Raheem Sterling, Phil Foden and Riyad Mahrez will be difficult to manage, which is why Van Dijk could be set to assume the spotlight.
The Reds are renowned for catching opponents offside, having done so 121 times in the Premier League this season.
For context, that total places Klopp's side top of Europe's top five leagues, and it is at least 50 more than any other English outfit. The ploy is integral to Liverpool's tactical approach, although some sides do their best to target it as a weakness, which is why Van Dijk will have to be sharper than ever.
As the conductor of Liverpool's defensive game, the Dutchman will have to manage everything that Watford, Benfica and City throw forward in attack. The Reds will persist with their offside trap, but it will have to be more flawless than ever.
Klopp's outfit have stopped conceding goals in recent weeks. Since conceding two goals to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in January, Liverpool have kept a clean sheet in 11 of their 17 matches in all competitions.
Their improved defensive displays have allowed the Reds to close the gap to City at the summit of England's top-flight, with a head-to-head clash scheduled for April 10.
If Klopp's team are to edge towards a famous quadruple in the coming weeks, Van Dijk's ability to execute a well-oiled offside trap will be pivotal.
