Virgil van Dijk has called for part of the offside rule to ‘get out of the way’ as he discusses Liverpool tactics.
The Reds have been famous for employing a high line tactic in the formation, with Van Dijk playing a key role in its success. Liverpool have caught opposition players offside a total of 124 times (via FBref ) in their 30 Premier League matches in all competitions this season, comfortably more than Manchester City with 76 in that regard.
One of the more recent changes brought in by Premier League officials is the linesman delaying the raising of their offside flag, to allow play to carry on when possible. This change is something that Van Dijk says makes Liverpool look more “vulnerable” than they actually are.
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Ahead of the Champions League quarter-final against Benfica, Van Dijk has explained the plans that go on behind the scenes to perfect their defensive high line. The Dutchman went on to give his views on the aforementioned offside rule.
“A lot,” said Van Dijk, when asked how much communication goes into getting the high line right. “It’s been going on since I’ve been at the club.
“It’s now been highlighted, but I think if you look back at the last couple of seasons we always try to play with a high line.
“We don’t play offside, but if you can put the player offside then it’s an advantage.
“I think this season and last season it started where we keep playing on and then the linesman puts the flag up for offside. It looks like we are conceding chances against us.
“The other day Ali had to make the save and it looked like we were vulnerable, even though the player was offside. So I think that rule has to get out of the way.
“We don’t speak a lot about the high line much personally, but on the pitch you definitely have to communicate, but I’m always trying to do that.”
