Gordon Strachan boldly claimed that Southampton probably lost the best defender in the world when they sold Virgil van Dijk to Liverpool in 2018.
The 61-year-old was pinpointing why the Saints were struggling in the Premier League this season and said their problems stemmed from when they parted company with the 27-year-old centre-back.
Strachan added that you could see the difference Van Dijk made at a club now that was he featuring for the Reds as his arrival had suddenly made them title contenders.
“They’ve lost probably the best defender in the world – you’ve seen the difference he’s made to Liverpool, suddenly they’re title challengers with him – and now the Saints are struggling to score goals,” the former Saints manager told PaddyPower.com.
“That stems from him going, too
“When you have a defence with Van Dijk in it, you know as a forward that you can get away with a 1-0. Him going changes that, because now you think ‘we’re going to lose a goal or two, so I need to score’.”
OPINION
Strachan is probably right to claim that the Saints are still hurting from selling Van Dijk as it’s not like they’ve been able to replace him properly. There are very few defenders around that are as good as the 27-year-old even if it bold of Strachan to effectively dub him the best in the world for his position. While Mark Hughes’ side face an exit from the Premier League due to not having Van Dijk, the Reds have their sights set on Premier League glory because of him. There’s no denying that since rocking up at Anfield the centre-back has helped make Jurgen Klopp’s side title contenders and they can realistic get their hands on the league title come the end of the season. While it will still be a tough task to win the race to the Premier League title, given how good Manchester City and Chelsea are also looking this season, the Reds know that having player like van Dijk at the clubs gives them a very good chance.
