Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum has lavished praise on Virgil van Dijk, saying he “barely makes a mistake”.
Van Dijk was rewarded with the PFA Player of the Year award and a Champions League winners’ medal last season, after solidifying Jurgen Klopp’s defence in his first full season on Merseyside.
Speaking to the club’s official website, Wijnaldum explained that his Netherlands teammate’s calming presence was a key factor in the side’s success last term.
“What has impressed me the most with Virgil is that he’s consistent, he barely makes a mistake,” the midfielder said. “He developed really well at Celtic and Southampton and Liverpool, he developed a lot.
“What also impressed me is that other players play better when he plays; the defenders next to him defend better, the players in front of him play better because when you play and you know he’s behind you, you have a safe feeling.”
OPINION
It really was an unbelievable season for Virgil van Dijk. He cemented himself as one of – if not the – best defender in the world last season and there is no doubt that he now has a real chance of winning the Ballon d’Or this year. He came in from Southampton at the end of 2017 and he had a solid impact in the second half of the 2017/18 season, but last term he took it to another level. In the Premier League, he was imperious and was the best centre-back in the league. In the Champions League, he scored a crucial goal against Bayern Munich which acted as a springboard for the Reds getting past the German champions. Overall, he was absolutely fantastic and the PFA Player of the Year award and a Champions League winners’ medal were just rewards for a truly magnificent campaign. Going forward, Liverpool fans will be looking forward to next season.
