Virgil van Dijk is capable of emulating Vincent Kompany by becoming the Premier League’s best defender, Jamie Carragher says.
The Netherlands international has established as one of the Premier League’s top centre-halves during two seasons at Southampton.
Van Dijk was heavily linked with a move to Liverpool FC in the summer, but the Reds were unable to get a deal over the line despite the player’s desire to move.
The Dutch defender was also touted as a potential option for defending Premier League champions Chelsea and runaway leaders Manchester City.
The 26-year-old is a stylish ball-playing centre-half, but the former Celtic man possesses both the pace and strength required to shine in the Premier League.
Former Liverpool FC star Carragher can see clear similarities between Manchester City skipper Kompany and the Reds’ new record signing Van Dijk.
“He looks like the one who could be the new Vincent Kompany,” Carragher told Sky Sports.
“He is one of the best centre-halves we have seen in the Premier League.
Liverpool FC finished in fourth place in the Premier League table to secure a return to the Champions League after finishing a point ahead of Arsenal.
The Reds signed off on 2017 with a 2-1 win against Leicester City at Anfield on Saturday.