The player has been very impressive this season

Virgil Van Dijk joined Liverpool from Southampton in January for a reported fee of £75 million, a world record fee in football for a defender. He built a strong partnership with Dejan Lovren at the heart of club’s defence and helped them to reach the Champions League final.

The Dutch International has been credited for resolving the Reds defensive issues and has been a key player in the new campaign. He has featured in all the Premier League fixtures so far and helped the club to win all as they are sitting on top of the table.

But the 27 year old was taken off early in the 3-0 win over Southampton last week with a rib issue and also missed the third round of Carabao Cup fixture against Chelsea on Wednesday. They were handed their first defeat as the Blues won 2-1, with late strikes from Emerson and Eden Hazard after Daniel Sturridge opened the scoring.

However, the centre-back was declared fit ahead of Chelsea clash in the Premier League on Saturday and though the match ended in a 1- draw, he was again immense for the Anfield Outfit.

Georginio Wijnaldum claims Van Dijk is the most complete defender in European football and believes its’s been money well spent.

“You have a few big, big defenders in Europe but Virgil is one of them,” he said as quoted by Daily Star.

“Everyone has their own opinion about who is best. Some people like quick defenders, some like ones who can play football. Everyone has their own idea – but he is a complete defender.

“He is quite quick, a good footballer, he defends well, make his headers and is very good at corners, so all around he is really good.

“Everyone has their own opinion about it but for me he is one of the best in Europe. He has had a big impact on the mentality of the team and I think everything has fitted together well.”

He added: “I think Virgil was quite late in his development. He went from Groningen to Celtic, did well there and then moved to Southampton but you always have to give it some time.

“At Saints he did great and then we knew he would make big steps. Ronald Koeman helped him adapt to the Premier League and now I think he is doing really well.”

Read Also: Liverpool star believes his transfer fee is fully justified

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here