Former Liverpool man Patrik Berger has heaped praised on Virgil van Dijk, suggesting that he makes the players around him better.
The Dutchman has been a revelation since his big money move from Southampton last January, and has been a key component in the Reds’ title challenge this year.
Speaking to the Echo (13.27), Berger was quick to sing his praises.
He said: “I always prefer attacking players because I was an attacking player, but ever since he came over to Liverpool you can see he’s good on the ball, he’s calm, he doesn’t panic, he’s great in the air.
“The players around him are growing as well. It all starts with the defence. If you can keep clean and only score one goal you still get the three points.
“He’s been brilliant and a fantastic addition to the team.”
OPINION
Van Dijk keeps picking up the plaudits, and it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see why. The Dutchman is an absolute behemoth at the back, commanding, organising, and winning pretty much anything that comes near him. He is a force of nature, and while many eyebrows were raised when he signed for such a large sum of money, there can’t be many people left who would dispute that he has been worth every penny. If the Reds can get over the line and win the title then he will look like even better value for money, but after so many years of shaky defences and nervy individuals, Liverpool finally look as if they have one of the finest players in that position in world football. Van Dijk is a special talent, no doubt, and if he doesn’t win player of the year then it would a travesty. The competition will be fierce, but he deserves the nod.
