By Aaron McNally
“He just inspires confidence”
VWhen Liverpool made Virgil van Dijk the most expensive defender ever when they splashed out £75 million bringing him from St Mary’s to Anfield in January 2018, many people doubted this move and said that it was a waste of money. Over two years on and the move by Jurgen Klopp has clearly paid dividends.
The Dutchman has had an immense impact in Anfield, shoring up a previously leaky defence and helping the Reds into a terrific title race battle with Man City.
Van Dijk’s latest heroics came in Munich on Wednesday night as he pooped up with the goal to seal the win for Liverpool as well as providing a beautiful assist for Sadio Mane’s stunning opener. As well as that he was his usual self in the defence keeping Bayern at bay as Klopp’s men continue their quest to make it to the Champions League final for the second year in a row.
Van Dijk was the talk of the town after yet another brilliant display and it was no different on ‘The Football Spin’ podcast. Paddy McKenna and Dion Fanning were joined by football writer Tony Evans on This weeks show to discuss Liverpool’s victory over Bayern and how Van Djik influences all around him and has already become a leader on this Liverpool team.
“They [the players] don’t talk and don’t communicate as we did. They don’t hold each other accountable and take responsibility. Van Dijk does.”
Evan’s continued, comparing Liverpool to the old Arsenal team who Graeme Souness called a team of son in laws.
“The Liverpool dressing room is in many ways, like Souness’ old jibe at Arsenal, a team of son in laws, so there was a little bit of that going on with Liverpool as well. They would get pushed around.
Then in comes this man mountain who not only talks, he lets them all know. Look at him, you see him on the ball, you see him making the tackle, he just inspires confidence and everything about it makes other people rise up”
“He’s a teacher and a mentor to people on the pitch, you know to young Trent and I think it’s overlooked.”
Van Dijk has made such an impact for Liverpool in the last year and as we come into the business end of the season, van Dijk will need to step up and continue his brilliant form if Liverpool are to finally break their Premier League duck.
