Liverpool manager Arne Slot has admitted that he was amazed at how good Virgil Van Dijk was this season.
Now 33, Van Dijk has strongly shocked the impact of his ACL damage and has led with example after Liverpool has raised in a comprehensive superiority in Premier LeagueRediscuiting the form that helped him be placed as one of the best defenders in the history of the competition earlier in his career in Liverpool.
Slot, a Dutch friend, confessed that he has not always seen Van Dijk in the same light because of his experiences on the Netherlands national team, but stressed Football focus that he fully understands the excitement now.
“Everyone here in England would tell you that Virgil Van Dijk is the best defender in the world,” Slot began. “In the Netherlands, he received a little more criticism than he moves here to England.
“I was, in a very positive way, surprised how good he was in the ball and how he could play football through lines. From the first day I was like 'wow, this is definitely another level I am used to But people in England were used to this. “
Slot continued to confess that he was one of many who did not believe he would enjoy such immediate success in his attempt to replace Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool Reds manager are on top of Champions League table and also boast a six -point superiority over Arsenal At the Premier League summit, despite playing a less game.
“You don't think after 20 games, we will have so many points and I didn't expect us to be in charge of the difference we have,” he continued. “Always is always nice to be there, but no one would wait for that. I am the last person to expect (Manchester) the city had such a bad run.”
As for Van Dijk, his long -term future in Liverpool is unclear. Outside the contract in the remainder of the season, it remains to be seen whether he will extend his stay in Merseyside.
“I have no idea (the more appearance he will make for Liverpool),” Van Dijk said recently. “How much are they left this season? Hope they are guaranteed and then I don't know what the future will bring.”