Virgil van Dijk identifies Liverpool transfer 'target' as difference-maker alongside ex-Reds ace

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk felt that the Netherlands players who came off the bench at the European Championship made the difference for his national side during its opening match against Poland.

Cody Gakpo drew the Dutch level after they had fallen behind early in the game and then Wout Weghorst netted the winner in the 83rd minute of the fixture in Hamburg. Weghorst was one substitute to make an impact but Van Dijk felt that the fresh legs provided by the others made a difference too.

Former Liverpool midfielder Gini Wijnaldum came on just after the hour mark alongside Donyell Malen, replacing Joey Veerman and Xavi Simons. Jeremie Frimpong and Weghorst then came on with around nine minutes of normal time remaining.

READ MORE: Cody Gakpo singled out by manager in clear message to Liverpool and Arne Slot

READ MORE: Steven Gerrard brings in former Liverpool player as move for Jurgen Klopp coach also confirmed

"We have shown that the boys who come off the bench for us can make the difference," Van Dijk said, via ESPN. "I'm disappointed about that goal," he added. "The last goals we conceded all came from a corner. We really have to improve that."

Liverpool has been linked with a transfer move for Bayer Leverkusen wing-back Frimpong (via Sport BILD and other places) but the chances of the Reds making a move for the 23-year-old appear to be slim. Frimpong plays as a wing-back in a back five rather than a full-back in a back four and there is plenty of other interest in him this summer.

The Reds are in need of a center-back and could also sign another forward this summer. Real Madrid and Manchester United are just two of the other sides said to be keen to sign Frimpong after his excellent season under Xabi Alonso. But Liverpool would only need another option in that area of the field if Trent Alexander-Arnold becomes a permanent midfield player.

Arne Slot will have his say on that when Alexander-Arnold returns from the European Championship, which could act as an audition of sorts given he is expected to play centrally for England. But with only a month between the end of the tournament in Germany and the start of the new Premier League campaign, it would be a tight turnaround to move his position full-time during pre-season.