“He’s a monster” – Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk compared to Jaap Stam

Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville thinks Liverpool Virgil van Dijk is “a monster” at the back similar to Jaap Stam.

Liverpool got their 2018/19 campaign off to a flyer by beating West Ham 4-0 at the weekend with a new sense of optimism oozing from the club.

The Reds finished in the top four last season whilst also making it to the final of the Champions League.

They have signed new players to give strength to the spine of their team and one of those was central defender Virgil van Dijk who joined from Southampton for a club record £75 million in January.

Former England right-back Gary Neville is surprised by the impact the defender has made in his short time at Anfield whilst also recognising the excellent business that Liverpool have completed over the summer.

Naby Keita finally completed his move from RB Leipzig, Fabinho joined from Monaco and the much-needed addition of first choice goalkeeper arrived in the form of Alisson Becker from AS Roma for an initial £56 million giving the Reds strength in depth, a point not lost on Neville.

1️⃣ = Full strength
2️⃣ = Second string
3️⃣ = All-out attack

Liverpool's squad is looking pretty stacked ahead of next season. pic.twitter.com/70DbCdQxzJ

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He said on the Gary Neville Podcast: “I thought Van Dijk was a good player at Southampton, but I didn’t think he was worth £75m, and I didn’t think he would have the impact on Liverpool’s defence that he’s had.

“He’s a monster, and is looking a bit like Jaap Stam. It looks like he just throws people out of the way.

“You look at that midfield, with Wijnaldum, Keita and Milner, with Henderson still to come in. There is some strength in depth there.

“Can Liverpool reproduce that high-intensity football Saturday-Wednesday? And did they need another centre-forward in case Firmino is out? Because I do think there is a big drop in intensity in their play when him or Salah are not playing.”

Daniel Sturridge replaced Roberto Firmino in the season opener and scored within 24 seconds.

A fully-fit Sturridge may well allay Neville’s fears about Jurgen Klopp’s perceived lack of forward options.

Liverpool travel to Crystal Palace next weekend looking to continue their good start to the new campaign.

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