He applies the press

Van Dijk also helps Liverpool put pressure on their opponents quickly higher up the field. Even if his long pass fails to find its target, Liverpool’s forwards and midfielders are there to swarm. Van Dijk launches it long against Aston Villa (below, right). As Tyrone Mings collects the ball (below, left), he has Salah on him while Firmino, Diogo Jota and Gini Wijnaldum press the players and space in front of him.