Liverpool centre-back Virgil van Dijk is the best central defender in the world, according to former Reds midfielder Jamie Redknapp.
Van Dijk joined the Reds from Southampton for £75m in January and quickly became a vital player in the heart of their defence.
The Netherlands international went on to play 22 games in all competitions for the Reds in the second half of last season, including six in the Champions League en route to the final.
And Redknapp believes van Dijk is going to further stake his claim as the best centre-back in the world this season.
Talking about Liverpool’s early work in the transfer market, Redknapp said on Sky Sports: “I think they didn’t really need to strengthen.
“I think, last year Virgil van Dijk was, for me, the best central defender in the world. He’s the one that you want, they got him in early.
“And I think you’re really going to see him really come to the fore this year.
“He’s a fantastic player, he’s a leader.”
Van Dijk started in Liverpool’s opening match of the Premier League season against West Ham at Anfield on Sunday, partnered in defence by Joe Gomez as he had been towards the end of pre-season.
Van Dijk’s first half-season at Liverpool
Of his 22 competitive appearances for Liverpool last season, 14 came in the Premier League as the Reds finished fourth.
During van Dijk’s time on the pitch, the Dutch defender won eight tackles (0.57 per 90 minutes) and made 18 interceptions (1.29 per 90) for Liverpool as well as two blocks (0.14 per 90).
Van Dijk also made 79 clearances (5.64 per 90) in the Premier League for Liverpool, the fourth highest of any other Reds player despite playing just 14 games.
The post Virgil van Dijk hailed as the world’s best defender ahead of Liverpool v West Ham appeared first on Squawka News.
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