Why the partnership between this developing Englishman and Van Dijk could become the best in the league

Premier League giants Liverpool are reportedly interested in signing James Tarkowski from Burnley in the ongoing summer transfer window.

The 25-year-old centre-back enjoyed a fine 2017/18 campaign with the Clarets, guiding the club to a seventh-place finish and a place in the Europa League.

Tarkowski’s brilliant form for Burnley has seen him attract a lot of interest from the Premier League, including Liverpool.

The Reds broke the bank in January to sign Virgil van Dijk for a fee of £75m, making the Dutchman the world’s most expensive defender in the history of football. And while the player has made an immediate impact at Anfield, Liverpool need a solid partner for him.

The likes of Joel Matip and Ragnar Klavan have been inconsistent, whereas Dejan Lovren remains highly error-prone. Although Lovren made significant amends towards the end of the season, he doesn’t inspire much confidence to be a regular starter under Klopp.

One might argue that it is the best time for Klopp to start Joe Gomez in his natural position but the Reds need an experienced player beside van Dijk. They need a robust and no-nonsense defender to pair up with the calm and composed Dutchman. In that case, would Burnley’s James Tarkowski solve Klopp’s defensive woes?

Certainly. Tarkowski played a starring role in Burnley’s fabulous 2017/18 campaign. It was a monumental achievement for Sean Dyche and co. as the Clarets finished seventh in the table, thus providing them with a chance to play in Europe next term.

Tarkowski has developed into a reliable defender under the guidance of Dyche. Tasked with replacing Michael Keane who joined Everton last summer, the 25-year-old excelled with consistent performances at the back alongside Ben Mee and Kevin Long.

The defender’s imperious performances at Turf Moor earned him a call-up to the England squad. However, Tarkowski was unlucky to miss out on a berth for the upcoming World Cup.

Nevertheless, Tarkowski’s brilliant form has turned him into an indispensable player for Dyche. And it goes without saying that a player of his calibre would work wonders for the Reds.

That said, Dyche must do everything to keep hold of one of his biggest stars. But if Liverpool splash the right amount of cash, the Manchester-born defender might play alongside van Dijk at Anfield next term.