Gary Neville: This Liverpool FC star reminds me of Man United legend Jaap Stam
The Man United legend praises Liverpool FC's decision to spend £75m on Virgil van Dijk
Gary Neville has likened Liverpool FC record signing Virgil van Dijk to Manchester United legend Jaap Stam.
The Reds raised eyebrows when Jurgen Klopp made Van Dijk the most expensive defender in the world following his £75m switch from Southampton in the January transfer window.
Liverpool FC finished in the Premier League’s top four thanks in part to Van Dijk consolidating the Reds defence in the final five months of the 2017-18 season.
The Merseyside outfit managed to reach the Champions League final after Van Dijk marshalled the Reds defence to victories over FC Porto, Manchester City and AS Roma.
Liverpool FC lost 3-1 to La Liga giants Real Madrid in the Kiev showpiece following mistakes from Loris Karius to effectively hand the trophy to los Blancos.
Klopp has eased the defensive burden on Van Dijk following the signing of Brazil international Alisson Becker from Serie A giants AS Roma in a £67m deal.
Former Manchester United defender Neville believes Van Dijk has proven a great addition to the Liverpool FC team.
“I thought Van Dijk was a good player at Southampton, but I didn’t think he was worth £75m, and I didn’t think he would have the impact on Liverpool’s defence that he’s had,” Neville told Sky Sports.
“He’s a monster, and is looking a bit like Jaap Stam. It looks like he just throws people out of the way.”
Liverpool FC finished in fourth place in the Premier League table last term to ensure their continued participation in the Champions League under Klopp.
The Reds were 4-0 winners against West Ham at Anfield on Sunday.
