Liverpool's commanding Dutch centre-half is considered to boast the potential which can make him the best defender the Premier League has ever seen
In Virgil van Dijk, Liverpool have found a player that is “John Terry, Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic all rolled into one”, says Jamie Redknapp, with the Dutchman potentially the best Premier League defender of all time.
The Reds invested £75 million ($95m) in the Netherlands international back in January, making him the costliest player in his chosen position.
While breaking transfer records can be considered a gamble, those at Anfield have seen their show of faith richly rewarded.
Van Dijk is considered to have contributed significantly to Liverpool becoming Premier League title contenders, with there few obvious weaknesses in his game.
Former Reds star Redknapp believes the 27-year-old is the finest all-round defender he has ever seen, telling the Daily Mail: “We are only halfway through the season but already nobody comes close to Virgil van Dijk in the race for Player of the Year. He is the one player every team would love to have in their side.
“Think of the best defenders in Premier League history — John Terry, Rio Ferdinandand Nemanja Vidic. Van Dijk is all three players rolled into one.
“He reads the game like Terry and is a lovely passer, getting the ball out of his feet and spraying 30-yard balls. Van Dijk is blessed with the pace of Rio, too. Rarely do you see him caught out in a one-v-one situation.
“While he is not as aggressive as Vidic, he has that same warrior spirit and will to win. He is calm, cool, composed in the air and is a brilliant leader.”
Redknapp added on Van Dijk’s potential to cement legend status while landing major honours: “Never mind player of the season — if he carries on playing at this level, he has all the attributes to be the Premier League's greatest ever defender. I am just surprised that it has taken until now for him to be starring in a team competing for Premier League titles.
“To become the greatest, Van Dijk has to win trophies. He reached the Champions League final last season and now has a great chance of winning the Premier League.
“If Liverpool are to be crowned champions this season, Van Dijk is the one player they can least afford to lose to injury.”
Van Dijk has been an ever-present for Liverpool in the Premier League this season, helping them to cement a standing at the top of the table.
Jurgen Klopp’s side, who remain unbeaten through 18 games, have opened up a four-point lead on reigning champions Manchester City.
chimeka10
102
whatever things ,no mater what this train keeps moving
Sabyasachi Mondal
100
don't even mention Terry and him in the same sentence until he wins these
12UnitedGuyReborn
89
Comparing him to the likes of John Terry, Rio Ferdinand and Nemaja Vidic is a little bit too soon and too much he has to maintain his level for years and improve in it while still at Liverpool because those Legends Redknapp mentioned did not become who there were in juts one season and. half let him do it for years first
Opacity
82
When Liverpool dominated Europe in the 70s and 80s they had world class players like Souness, Dalglish and Rush. They then lost that, but now it is back. There is no doubt that Alisson, Van Dijk and Salah are world class, and Mane and Firmino are very close to being in that bracket. I also think that it's possible that Robertson, Alexander-Arnold and Fabhino could reach that level as well, especially with Klopp as their manager.
goetzemario
72
Virgil Van dijk is a good player... he could be compared to the great only wen he win a silverware... probably it won't be too long... this season... still he is now the man who make difference for us... Liverpool.. YNWA 😘
AnikemEzekiel
72
this is incredible
Lenlife
67
If we go through the next half of the season conceding 7 or less more goals he will be right up there you cant argue with a defender that makes that kind of difference to a team that's defence was its weakest point
judcdlmoru
66
Virgil is so ooo good he is outstandingly incredible he has turn our team to a different level