Gary Neville Claims Liverpool Defender Has Made the Club a Formidable Defensive Team

Former Manchester United stalwart Gary Neville claims Liverpool have grown enormously since signing Dutch international Virgil van Dijk in January. 

Jurgen Klopp's side splashed out a club record fee of £75m to bring Van Dijk to Anfield after he impressed during his time with Premier League rivals Southampton. Whilst the cost of the deal raised some eyebrows initially, Van Dijk has seemingly justified his hefty price tag with some commanding performances at the heart of Liverpool's defence.

Crvena Zvezda v Liverpool - UEFA Champions League Group C

With the Anfield side also sealing a £67m deal for AS Roma goalkeeper Alisson Becker in the summer, the Reds have produced some markedly improved defensive performances this campaign. Klopp's men have conceded just five times in their 12 league games this season, a statistic which has led Neville to acknowledge Van Dijk's importance in that run.

Speaking on his ​Sky Sports podcast on Sunday, he said: "​Liverpool have grown enormously in this last 12 to 18 months. The biggest change has been the defensive difference and the introduction of Van Dijk.

"The front three we've known about for 18 months, the introduction of Van Dijk has meant they look a formidable defensive team. With him there, they've got someone that can anchor the defence."

The Reds currently find themselves in second place in the ​Premier League after beating Fulham 2-0 at the weekend, with just two points separating them from leaders ​Manchester City in the race for the top spot.

Liverpool FC v Fulham FC - Premier League

After returning from the international break, Klopp's side will take on ​Watford in the league, before facing a crucial Champions League tie against PSG at the Parc des Princes.


Source : 90min