Rio Ferdinand has heaped praise on Virgil van Dijk, stating the Dutchman keeps getting better with time while adding that Liverpool will need him for every game.
There were plenty of positive performances from Liverpool in their latest victory at Anfield. The Reds secured crucial three points against Leicester City to keep themselves in the title race, although they still have a long way to go before catching up with Manchester City at the top of the table.
Michael Owen praised Luis Diaz after the Premier League debutant put in a brilliant performance in the Reds attack. Others kept up their good work on the field, including Virgil van Dijk, who put in a big display in defence to achieve a clean sheet.
Van Dijk has again become an important part of Jurgen Klopp’s side this term, having missed most of last season with a knee injury. His absence cost Liverpool their quest to retain the Premier League title while also causing them to falter in their Champions League campaign.
There were other injuries to Liverpool’s defence last term, although they missed the Dutchman’s expertise at the back. The defender has come back strongly this season and put in some tremendous performances to help Klopp’s side mount a challenge on multiple fronts.
After the Leicester game, Rio Ferdinand praised the influence of the Dutch defender on BT Sport. His comments appeared on HITC, where the former Manchester United man praised van Dijk’s impact, stating the centre-back keeps improving with age.
Ferdinand said, “That is, even sitting out the majority of last season with a long-term knee injury. Regardless of the added pressure and captaincy, Van Dijk is getting better and better with every minute he plays under Jurgen Klopp.
“His absence is greatly felt, as proved by last season. The defender is a genius, one of the best of his generation and if Liverpool are to maintain a title charge, they will need van Dijk for every minute of every game.”
Van Dijk will be back in action when Liverpool take on Burnley on Sunday in the Premier League. The Dutchman will have to be at his best against the physical presence of Wout Weghorst to help his team over the line.
