Virgil Van Dijk
Jose Mourinho has heaped praise on Virgil van Dijk, stating that it would be ‘unfair’ to compare other centre-backs to the Liverpool stalwart.
Since joining Liverpool in January 2018, Van Dijk has established himself as one of the standout players in world football and has produced some outstanding performances.
Former United boss Mourinho believes Van Dijk is certainly the present standout centre-back in English football.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Mourinho said: “It would be unfair to other fantastic central defenders. In English football, yes for sure. He has everything and it is almost impossible to find weakness in his game.”
Roy Keane believes that one of the main benefits of having Van Dijk on the side is that he helps his teammates to perform better.
Ex-United midfielder Keane said: “He’s been fantastic. The sign of a brilliant player is when he makes those around him better. The stats behind it are fantastic.”
Former Liverpool player and manager, Graeme Souness, was also full of praise for Van Dijk, stating that the Dutchman is close to ‘faultless’.
Souness said: “He’s the best, for me. He’s faultless. He always seems to be in control in his arm chair. He borders on being faultless. He’s always got a brain that senses danger.
I see him as an all-round centre half. I don’t think he goes to sleep or makes sloppy passes. He’ll beat you in the air.”
Having helped Liverpool to win the Champions League last season, Van Dijk will be determined to win the Premier League title this campaign.
Last month, Van Dijk finished as runner-up behind Lionel Messi in the running for The Best FIFA Men’s Player award.