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Liverpool news: ‘He’s the BEST in the Premier League era’ - Ferdinand singles out one star
VIRGIL VAN DIJK is Liverpool’s best ever defender in the Premier League era.
Liverpool fans sing INCREDIBLE Virgil Van Dijk chant
That is according to Manchester United legend and BT Sport pundit Rio Ferdinand.
Van Dijk has made a big difference to the Liverpool team since he arrived from Southampton in January.
The Dutchman cost the Reds £75million and is still the most expensive defender in history.
Ferdinand says Van Dijk has a huge calming influence on the whole Liverpool team, not just the defence.
I’d go as far as to say he’s the best defender they have had in the Premier League era
And he does not think there has been anyone better for the Anfield side since the Premier League began in 1992.
“An absolute calming on this Liverpool team, not just on the back four,” Ferdinand said.
“I’d go as far as to say he’s the best defender they have had in the Premier League era.
“I think his influence has been that big.
“You always felt Liverpool were going to concede goals and they were vulnerable at the back.
“As soon as he put his foot in the door that changed.
“That’s the amount of effect he has had.
“I think there is still even more to come from him.”
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“He likes to cover, he can attack the ball as well, but he loves to cover and make up for other people. I think that’s what he enjoys.
“What I like about him, you see this in a top player and top defender, when it doesn’t matter who comes in, his performance level doesn’t really drop.
“The others have to come in and fit around him and make sure they do their job and he’ll be there to back you up and get you out of jail every now and then.
“The the size of him, the stature, he’s awesome, he’s a huge, huge presence but he’s so quick as well.”
Van Dijk started for Liverpool in their crucial Champions League match at home to Napoli on Tuesday.