Patrik Berger on Klopp, Van Dijk and the title race

Former Red Patrik Berger thinks Liverpool are in with a great chance of winning both the Premier League and Champions League this season.

Berger, who made 196 appearances for Liverpool across a seven-year period, played in the Liverpool Legends match on Saturday.

And he believes the influence of Jurgen Klopp and talismanic leaders like Virgil van Dijk can push Liverpool all the way to the title this season.

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“Can they do the double? I don’t see a reason why not, with a bit of luck which you need in order to win trophies, no matter how good you are,” Berger said.

“I think they can [win the double], with the way they are playing in the league. Two points clear, Manchester City still have to win their game in hand which is never easy if you are catching up.

“And then in the Champions League, you know Porto, obviously it is going to be tough, because they are a good side, I think Porto is playable.

“After that, you just never know.”

On Klopp, Berger added: “I’ve met Jurgen Klopp a few times, but I’ve never had the chance to play for him.

“What I can see, the similarities are that he feels part of the club. Straight away you could feel that he was happy to be here.

“He fell in love with the club, the fans and the city and that is what you need to do in order to [be a] success as a Liverpool manager.

“You need to have the fans behind your back and the players and if you do that then you have a chance to succeed.”

Berger also praised the impact of Van Dijk, who arrived at Liverpool for £75million in 2018.

“I always prefer attacking players because I have been an attacking player,” Berger said. “But ever since he came over to Liverpool, you can see that he is good on the ball, he’s calm, he doesn’t panic, he’s great in the air.

“The players around him are growing as well and obviously Alisson is another great addition.

“So it all starts with the defence. If you can keep a clean sheet and only score one goal then you can get the win and get the three points.

“That’s what they have done quite a lot of times this season. So you know, he has been brilliant addition to the team.”

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Source: anfieldhq.com