Why tonight’s Champions League match against Ajax is one of Klopp’s biggest tests at Liverpool

A depleted Liverpool side travel to Ajax to prove doubters yet again, as the current Premier League champions play their first match in this seasons Champions League, but it’s much more than a group stage fixture.

Following their 2-2 draw to Everton, Liverpool go into the game at the Johan Cruijff Arena without defensive colossus Virgil Van Dijk who will need knee surgery after being taken down by Toffee’s keeper Jordan Pickford.

Now with Van Dijk added to the injury list, which already features Brazilian keeper Allisson, Jurgen Klopp may be without new signing Thiago Alcantara and Joel Matip, who also picked up injuries at the weekend and haven’t trained with the first team ahead of tonight’s fixture.

As a result, a tidal wave of doubt has been brought upon Liverpool on their chances at retaining their Premier League title, let alone being able to compete for the Champions league as well.

With Fabinho likely to be used as a makeshift centre back, Klopp will need to prepare his side for life without Van Dijk-The Reds have won 75% of games he started and only 40% when he didn’t.

The German’s Liverpool legacy is at stake.

He’s been viewed as one of the best managers to grace the game of football, but if his side’s performances dip in form with their defensive talisman out, then he may be remembered as the manager who managed one of the greatest defenders of all time, rather than of his tactical genius which lead Liverpool winning their first league title in 30 years.

Since the return of football after COVID-19 postponed matches last season, Liverpool have not been the same beast.

Form dropped off last season because the league was already won which is totally understandable, but even now with the re start The Reds aren’t the same side they were a year ago.

It’s imperative that Jurgen Klopp and his technical team get his side firing on all cylinders from minute one of this Ajax match, because his qualities are slowly being undermined now he’s had a few injuries, when really why should this be the case? It’s not the first time he’s had to face unavoidable team selection issues.

The stats will show you the importance of Van Dijk, it’s so obvious how vital he is to Liverpool you can see it with your own eyes, but Klopp’s past means he will be able to manage a team without star players.

Following his consecutive league double with Borussia Dortmund over in Germany, Klopp lost star players Mario Götze and Robert Lewandowski who were two key pieces in the Dortmund winning masterplan, but still managed to get his former side to the Champions League final and even won the DFL-Supercup.

It took some time before the 53-year-old got the perfect defence at Liverpool.

Klopp took Liverpool to their first Champions League final under him with German keeper Loris Karius who arguably had more mistakes in him than Adrian and nearly brought European success within his first season in charge as Liverpool lost 3-1 to Sevilla in the Europa League back in 2015-a side with Alberto Moreno and an ageing Kolo Toure.

Klopp’s succeeded in the past even when he’s lacked quality in key areas on the pitch.

His current side is easily one of the best in the world, so even though they have some major injury’s in their starting eleven, Jurgen Klopp has an amazing team at his disposal and that shouldn’t be forgotten about.

Teams facing Liverpool will also have gained confidence, now knowing their side is weakened massively.

The recent Premier League fixtures show this season is up for grabs, and teams who would once of dreaded facing Liverpool will now of had a confidence boost when up against The Reds-if Aston Villa can do it, why can’t we, will be a common theme in most opposition dressing rooms before playing Liverpool.

Group D which also includes Atalanta and FC Midtjylland is now a greater challenge to face with both teams posing a big threat on the attack.

A lot has been said about Liverpool lately following the Everton match, and even since the nightmare at Villa Park in the 7-2 disaster, but if anyone can turn doubters into believers, it’s Jurgen Klopp.