Sami Hyypia has admitted that he is a massive fan of Liverpool defender Virgil Van Dijk, calling him the “most important player for the team”.
He says that the £180,000-a-week [Spotrac] centre-back is someone who is able to make those around him play a lot better than they usually do, as well as giving them a lot of “confidence” too.
Hyypia adds that even though Liverpool made some excellent signings in the midfield area – players which no doubt include Naby Keita and Fabinho – Van Dijk has proved that he is a lot more crucial to the team’s success.
“Alisson came in the summer and we made some good signings in the midfield as well, but I think Virgil van Dijk is the most important player for the team,” he told Sky Sports.
“He makes the other players play better and he gives a lot of confidence to the others as well. He’s such a good player.”
OPINION
We are starting to lose count with the amount pundits and former players who have singed Van Dijk’s praises over the course of the season – and it seems like Hyypia is the latest player to be added to that list. You cannot blame him for doing so, though. It is hard not to comment on how consistent the Dutch star is week after week, as he has been a revelation for the Reds defence ever since he signed from Southampton. It is no wonder that he is firmly in the running for the player of the season come the end of the campaign. He thoroughly deserves all of the accolades that come his way after such a stellar year for Liverpool. Yes, he has proved that he is human at times with the odd mistake, but you simply cannot fault a player like him. Van Dijk will be at Liverpool for years to come, as he has quickly won over the hearts of the fans.
