As the edge has thinned in the challenge for the Premier League title, Liverpool have found ways to benefit from every advantage possible. Set-pieces have proven to be a significant part of any title-winning side, with games able to be turned around from a single ball, securing vital points and progressions through to the latter stages of tournaments.

The Reds’ recruitment strategy of targeting centre-backs of considerable height and athleticism has helped coaches get the best out of set-piece tactics. Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konaté, and Joël Matip have scored seven from 10 goal contributions in total this season — with three of the French defender’s coming in the last three games.

And with the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold delivering the ball into the box, Liverpool have used that key advantage to become one of the best teams in the league at executing set-piece plays.

Opponents will eventually have to adapt. Jürgen Klopp has found a way to orchestrate plays that see six-foot-four Konaté regularly in space, punishing even the vastly organised defence of Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, who have conceded the fewest goals in the Premier League this season. That could finally re-unlock Virgil van Dijk’s dominance in the air from corners.

The Netherlands captain has scored two fewer goals than his best ever tally of five in the 2018/19 title-winning season. But with Klopp continuing to punish teams whose defensive focus is solely to stop Van Dijk getting to the ball, they may soon have to give way, leaving defenders with the difficult task of challenging him in an aerial duel.h

That looks to be a factor that will prove decisive in one of the closest title races in Premier League history. Liverpool have already faced the agony of missing out on the prize despite putting up a tally of 97 points in 2018 — making every point vital as the Reds keep the pressure on Pep Guardiola’s side who cruised past Watford on Saturday afternoon.

While Liverpool’s forward line with the likes of Sadio Mané and Mohamed Salah have helped push the Reds’ forward in every game, it is the return of Van Dijk that has transformed Klopp’s side straight back into title contention after dealing with one of the most bizarre run of injuries witnessed last season. The former Southampton star has added the stability that provides the foundation for Liverpool’s more advanced players to perform, with displays that have seen the 30-year-old regarded as the best centre-back in world football.

But with Klopp finding a new solution to crafting points from set-pieces, Van Dijk could soon re-capture his scoring form — a factor that will make Liverpool even more unstoppable going forward. The Reds have found a way to be ruthlessly efficient throughout all areas of the pitch, and that has been the most significant factor in keeping up with a Manchester City side that is backed by billionaire owners.

Liverpool will need an almost perfect run if they are to lift the Premier League once more, backed by an Anfield crowd that will be with the team all of the way. For Klopp, who has yet again found a solution to an ever-adapting league, his latest masterstroke could be the final chess move that edges Virgil van Dijk into position to find his scoring form at a point of the season that could be one of the most decisive moments in the club’s history.