Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk insists his centre-half partner isn't the weak link in their team.

Van Dijk admits he has to stay focused on the job he has to do despite opposition teams seemingly now targeting his centre-back partner as a weak spot. Both Watford and Bournemouth have employed the tactic over the past week.

"Obviously, teams have been looking at us and trying to find difficulties for us," said Van Dijk. "I think first and foremost, if the ball goes to them (his defensive partner), they challenge.

"Whether you win it or lose it, the most important thing is the second ball.

"When the goalkeeper has the ball, they tried to get into a position to challenge with Philip Billing and they tried to get Callum Wilson with Joe in the middle.

"It is something teams will try to be clever with but the most important thing is the second ball because you cannot score from that.

"I have to be in the right position when Joe (Matip) is challenging for that and the midfielders are the same."