John Arne Riise: How Virgil van Dijk can help Liverpool FC defensive duo
The Liverpool FC legend believes Virgil van Dijk can get the best out of Jurgen Klopp's full-backs
John Arne Riise believes Virgil van Dijk can help to get the best out of Liverpool FC’s full-backs.
The Reds were regularly linked with a move to sign the Netherlands international over the past 12 months or so.
Liverpool FC finally completed a £75m club record deal to sign Van Dijk from Premier League rivals Southampton in the January transfer window.
The Merseyside outfit made the Dutch centre-half the most expensive defender in the world following his January swoop for the 26-year-old.
Van Dijk has helped Liverpool FC to keep seven clean sheets in their last 10 games in all competitions.
Scottish defender Andy Robertson has been impressive on the left side of defence alongside the January signing, while Klopp has rotated between Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joe Gomez.
Former Liverpool FC defender Riise believes Van Dijk can help to bring out the best in Klopp’s full-backs this term.
“Having Sami Hyypia and Jamie Carragher helped me a lot, as I could go forward knowing that they had my back,” Klopp told Liverpool FC’s website.
“They were able to see the whole pitch in front of them and if I wasn’t in the correct position – which could happen a lot – they would shout instructions and make me aware.
“Every team should have a leader at the back. Carra and Hyypia were brilliant for that – and I can see Van Dijk doing the same now. I really like what he’s doing.”
Liverpool FC will take on Premier League leaders Manchester City in the Champions League quarter-finals next month.
The Reds are in third place in the Premier League table and two points behind Manchester United in the race to secure a second-placed finish.
The Merseyside outfit will make the trip to Crystal Palace on Saturday 31 March.
