{
  "id": 1652692,
  "title": "Liverpool's new-look defence will take time to gel, says Van Dijk",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/18/liverpools-new-look-defence-will-take-time-to-gel-says-van-dijk-1652692",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-18T06:18:10.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Business Recorder",
    "slug": "business-recorder",
    "url": "https://www.brecorder.com/news/40435353/liverpools-new-look-defence-will-take-time-to-gel-says-van-dijk"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Liverpool's revamped defensive line will need some time to gel, according to captain Virgil van Dijk. Despite praising new signings Ronald Araujo and Jeremy Jacquet as \"good players,\" the Dutch defender acknowledged that rebuilding the backline after the departures of Ibrahima Konate, Andy Robertson, and Joe Gomez's injury required patience. The Merseyside club bolstered their defense by signing Uruguayan Araujo on a season-long loan from Barcelona and Frenchman Jacquet, who joined in the summer. During a 2-0 friendly match against Italian club Como at Anfield, the latter scored a goal, demonstrating his worth to the team. Van Dijk explained that forging strong partnerships with his new teammates would come through actual games rather than just training sessions. He emphasized that, although English might be a bit better for Jacquet compared to Araujo, all the players are skilled enough to understand and react to defensive situations. Van Dijk stated that it's entirely normal to take some time to form connections and get the defense clicking, but he expressed hope that they could accelerate the process. Liverpool, who finished fifth last season, are set to kick off their Premier League campaign against Newcastle United on August 23.",
  "summary": "Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk said the club’s revamped backline would require some time to click into gear, despite describing new signings Ronald Araujo and Jeremy Jacquet as “good players”. Ibrahima Konate and Andy Robertson’s departures, as well as Joe Gomez’s muscle injury in the club’s opening pre-season match, have forced Liverpool to rebuild their defence. The Merseyside club…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Liverpool’s new-look defence will take time to gel, says Van Dijk",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/18/liverpools-new-look-defence-will-take-time-to-gel-says-van-dijk-1637155",
        "published": "2026-08-18T04:16:58.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}