Date: 16th May 2017 at 6:11pm
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Liverpool know that their Premier League top four hopes rest in their own hands ahead of the final weekend of the season.

Jurgen Klopp’s men thumped West Ham 4-0 at the London Stadium on Sunday to maintain third place in the table, although Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City could move above them tonight should they beat West Brom at the Etihad Stadium.

In fact, the Reds could have their top four place secured before even kicking a ball against Middlesbrough on Sunday should Arsenal lose to Sunderland this evening, but even if both they and City win, Liverpool know that victory over Steve Agnew’s relegated Boro will seal them a place in next season’s Champions League.

And that would surely represent a fine first full season in charge for Klopp at Anfield, although attentions will begin to turn to who he can look to bring in this summer to make sure his Liverpool side can compete on both domestic and European fronts next season.

And two men the Reds have been linked with in recent times are Burnley’s Michael Keane, and Southampton’s Virgil van Dijk.

Both centre-backs have been outstanding for their respective clubs this season, and as a result have earned rave reviews and attracted much interest from those sides in the upper echelons of the Premier League, including Klopp’s Liverpool.

The Merseyside outfit have been linked with a move for either Keane or Van Dijk this summer, and this begs the question, which one would be a better buy for Klopp’s Reds?

Well, there’s little doubt that 24-year-old Keane has had a wonderful season at Turf Moor, and is a big part of why Sean Dyche’s men will be playing Premier League football next term.

The England international, who made his debut with such ease and accomplishment against Germany back in March, has started all but two of their 37 league games this season, and has regularly been one of their highest performing stars on any given matchday (six times the highest according to Squawka.com).

He has been dominant aerially against several teams this term and has been more than happy going toe-to-toe with some of the most powerful strikers in the division, with Keane’s own strength and determination enough to sometimes see him come out on top, like he did against Crystal Palace at the end of April.

And, as aforementioned, his England debut in an unfamiliar role of a back three was absolutely brilliant, as he seamlessly adapted to the pace and pressures of playing international football in both games against Germany in Dortmund, and then Lithuania at Wembley.

Keane is being tipped for huge things in the future, and a move to a club like Liverpool, who have struggled defensively at times this term, could be ideal in his development, as he’ll likely get first team football in both domestic and European competition for one of England’s biggest clubs – he could lead the line for many a year.

However, if Liverpool are looking at the immediate and short term, then maybe Van Dijk is a better option.

The Dutch international took time to adapt to English football when he first arrived at Southampton in the summer of 2015, and ever since he has, he has been one of the best defenders in the Premier League.

Arguably, prior to his injury against Leicester in January, which has ruled him out for the season, the 25-year-old was the best centre-back in the division this term, with several commanding and match-winning displays helping the Saints to one of the best defensive records in the league in the first half of the campaign.

His aerial presence is unquestionable, he is excellent on the ball, and he brings a sense of calmness to the Southampton backline – there’s no reason why he wouldn’t do the same at Anfield.

With slightly more experience of the top-flight, plenty more experience at international level, and at the age of just 25, Van Dijk is another who could be the main man in the Liverpool defence for years to come.

The Reds have a recent history of signing some of Southampton’s best players – the likes of Sadio Mane, Adam Lallana, Nathaniel Clyne, and Dejan Lovren are all first teamers at the club – and some (not all) have transferred their Saints form to Anfield.

Clearly, both Keane and Van Dijk are quality defenders, but if Liverpool are serious about competing on domestic and European fronts over the coming years, Van Dijk is the marginally better option given his superior experience and slightly longer stint in England’s top tier.

 
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