A high press only works when the distances are tight.
When any of those links break, the centre-backs are exposed in open grass. That is the danger for Van Dijk. His great strength has never been reckless recovery defending for its own sake. It is anticipation, timing, body shape and the ability to control space before a race even starts. If he is repeatedly asked to defend wide channels and direct counters with little cover, the system is inviting stress.
At his best, Van Dijk gives a team more than duels.
Those qualities are maximised when the press protects the centre and forces predictable passes. They are diluted when the game becomes stretched. Carragher’s broader point appears to be that Liverpool should not turn every defensive phase into a transition sprint. A veteran elite defender can still thrive high up the pitch, but only if the rest defence is clean and the midfield screen is reliable.
This is not just about one defender. It is about balance. The most effective pressing teams do not simply attack the ball; they prepare for the next pass. If Liverpool want to stay ultra-aggressive, their spacing behind the press must improve. Otherwise, Van Dijk becomes the most visible face of a collective problem.
The next few matches will be worth watching closely: not just where Van Dijk stands, but how often Liverpool leave him standing there alone.