Jamie Redknapp has hailed the impact of Virgil van Dijk on Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool side, suggesting that he has “transformed” the team.
Van Dijk has enjoyed a remarkable season at Anfield as the Reds push for a first league title in 29 years, and was instrumental again in the 3-2 win over Newcastle United on Saturday evening.
As well as scoring the opener, it was the Dutchman who convinced Trent Alexander-Arnold to let Xherdan Shaqiri take the free kick that led to Divock Origi’s late winner.
And the decision was not lost on Redknapp.
Writing in his column for the Daily Mail, he said: “There was one moment during Liverpool’s victory over Newcastle that captured the impact Virgil van Dijk has had on Jurgen Klopp’s team.
“With Xherdan Shaqiri and Trent Alexander-Arnold standing over a free-kick, Van Dijk urged the Swiss midfielder to take it. The result? Shaqiri crossed for Divock Origi to head in the winner that keeps Liverpool’s title bid alive.
“Some argued that it would take more than one player to sort out Liverpool’s defence. Not only has Van Dijk done that but he has completely transformed this team. He is a leader, an organiser and a calming presence rolled into one.
“I cannot think of another player who has had a greater impact on a Premier League team.”
OPINION
What can you say about van Dijk that hasn’t already been said? The Dutchman has had a superlative season, one that has firmly cemented him at the top table of the world game, and has justifiably won a whole host of plaudits for his performances. He is a towering figure at the back for Liverpool, both in terms of stature and his influence on the game, and he has absolutely justified the hefty fee forked out for him last January. This is a man who is well and truly at the peak of his powers, and you get the feeling that he isn’t done yet. It’s hard to think of a player who has had such a pronounced impact on a side in the recent past. Liverpool were renowned for their leaky defence and unreliable foundations, but now they are comfortably one of the most solid teams in Europe. It’s a team game, but van Dijk has made a massive impact.
