BBC pundit Chris Sutton has argued that if Liverpool win the title this season it will be because of Virgil van Dijk.
The Dutchman put in another colossal performance for the Reds as they went back to the top of the table on Sunday afternoon with a late 2-1 win over Tottenham at Anfield.
Speaking on Radio 5 Live, Sutton was quick to sing the defender’s praises.
He said: “He’s been the difference this year. I’ve been impressed with him since I saw him move to Celtic, quite frankly.
“If Liverpool win the title this year it will be because of Virgil van Dijk.”
“If Liverpool win the title it will be because of Virgil van Dijk!”@chris_sutton73 says the #LFC defender "has been the difference this year."
Are those the three points to spur Jürgen Klopp's side on to lift the Premier League trophy? ?#BBC606 pic.twitter.com/42xSANicNG
— BBC 5 Live Sport (@5liveSport) March 31, 2019
OPINION
There are only so many superlatives you can use to describe Virgil van Dijk before you start repeating something that’s already been said. The Dutchman has made a world of difference for the Reds this season, and Sutton isn’t far off the mark when he says that he could be the key to their title win. It’s not just the organisational awareness that he brings to the back line, or the intimidating presence he provides against opposition forwards. There have been numerous occasions this season where he has put in blocks or challenges that have legitimately saved his side vital points. Add all that up at the end of the season and it could genuinely prove to be the difference in a title race that promises to be as tight as any we have seen in recent years. As far as individual contributions to a side go, there hasn’t been a better signing this season, and he must be a shoo-in for player of the year.
