Sami Hyypia has heaped praise on Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk, calling the enforcer the final piece of the puzzle for the Reds to secure their first-ever Premier League title this season.
The former Reds’ defender has been impressed with the impact the Dutch international has made on Jurgen Klopp’s side since arriving from Southampton, particularly with how he has become a leader.
Hyypia admitted that van Dijk gives confidence to his teammates, and takes the pressure off players such as Jordan Henderson and James Milner and how they need to lead the team at times.
“Virgil was a good addition to that and he took the weight off the other two captains,” he told the Mirror.
“He gives a lot of confidence to everyone, is always talking on the field and makes everyone around him play better.
“For me, he’s the last piece of the puzzle in the search for the first Premier League title.”
OPINION
Hyypia is spot on with his verdict on van Dijk and Liverpool. The Dutch international has become one of the best in the world since arriving from Southampton, and his own performances have helped teammates such as Joel Matip become better alongside him. The 28-year-old has been phenomenal and has transformed Liverpool’s defence, with the Reds currently having the best defensive record in the league which has given them an eight-point gap at the top of the table going into the international break. His positioning is key to his success in defence, as he puts himself in positions where he doesn’t need to make too many tackles, but actually intercept possession and start attacks for his side. Van Dijk has, however, averaged an impressive 5.3 clearances per game in this campaign according to WhoScored, and will definitely be vital if Liverpool are to secure their first-ever Premier League title next year.
