Liverpool have struggled without their leader at the back Virgil van Dijk this season, and Paul Stewart, who was signed by Liverpool for £2.3 million in 1992, spoke exclusively to The Transfer Tavern about how much of a difference the Dutchman will make next season.
After appearing to be complete outsiders to qualify for the Champions League Liverpool are now favourites to finish in the top four as they just have to win their final two league games against Burnley and Crystal Palace.
In recent weeks Van Dijk has confirmed that he will not be going to the European Championships with the Netherlands this summer as he looks to continue his recovery from an ACL injury which saw him ruled out for the season back in October.
When the Dutch international returns next season he could be just like a new signing and an expensive one, that is according to Stewart who spoke exclusively to The Transfer Tavern:
“I’m assuming Van Dijk will be fit for the start of next season, which will be like buying a new £100 million centre back for them.
“He has been missing for so long though and Liverpool have sorely missed him this season.”
Liverpool kept their Champions League hopes alive last weekend when Alisson scored a 94th-minute header to send fans, players and Jurgen Klopp into delirium over what they had just witnessed.
When Van Dijk plays for Liverpool the whole side becomes better as he can bring the ball out of defence into midfield and his ability to cover any of the other three defenders is something that allows Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson to stay further forward.