Is Vestergaards absence hurting more than just our defence?

[tajjuk]

Just watched this video from TIFO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rhv-RL7za3E (very insightful channel btw, highly recommend) about the impact on Liverpool's shape and attacking play from losing Van Dijk, and it made me wonder whether part of our attacking troubles has also come from the loss of the much improved Vestergaard?

Now of course I am not saying they are even remotely the same level of player, but in terms of role I would say they are pretty similar (though Vestergaard does not have the pace on the cover like Van Dijk does to hold a high line). 

A lot has been made of Vestergaards range of passing from the back being very important for us in our build up play and transition, he has at times pretty much played like a quarter back, he can spray some quality passes about with ease on either foot (something I am not sure even Van Dijk is as adept at), which are very important for the way we play. Not only is he a very comfortable option for the midfielders to recycle the ball to when we are trying to keep possession and draw teams onto us, but his passing ability allows fast accurate balls into space either bypassing the opposition midfield or passes into the channels for strikers or wing backs to run in behind from. For example it was Vestergaards left footed pass in behind that led to the pen that KWP got against Brighton, it was Vestergaards ball into Adams that took out the whole Arsenal midfield that led to Walcott's goal in the 1-1 draw, which whilst not direct assists show the kind of passes that help us create chances.

Then of course there is his threat from set pieces, not only the goals he has scored and can score, but much like it is noted in the above video, a player like that is a threat and distraction even if he doesn't actually head the ball, drawing players to him and creating spaces for others. 

 He last played against the 1-0 loss to City, where whilst we didn't score, we were threatening in the game, since then we have mustered just 2 goals in the league from 7 games, of course injuries have also played their part and some bad luck but I am wondering whether Vestergaard has become a more important cog in our play than maybe we think? 

[Jeremy Corbyn]

Yes.  He's probably been our main/best playmaker this year.  And the threat from set pieces is a big part of our game.

It's probably not a great reflection on some other parts of the team though.

[SKD]

Yes. There’s a fantastic piece on the athletic about vestergarrd (and his relationship, on field, with KWP). 
 

At our best, we were drawing teams on to us and then using Vestergaards ability to hit a 20 yard pass over the midfield, with either foot. Or even a direct ball through the lines. 
 

we’ve became very predictable and slow in our build up without him as Stephens isn’t as good on the ball and more importantly doesn’t have a left foot, so we can only really play it one way. 
 

On top of all this, he offers us soo much more in either box with his height.