‘His focus is incredible’: Ryan Babel raves about Liverpool player who’s developed massively

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Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has been praised by fellow Netherlands ace and Anfield cult hero Ryan Babel, in conversation with the Liverpool website.

The Reds currently sit top of the Premier League table, 25 points clear of second-placed Manchester City, and Van Dijk has been crucial in getting Jurgen Klopp’s side to that level.

The 28-year-old has been a revelation since joining the Reds from Southampton in January 2018 for a reported £75million fee, the large sum initially drew criticism from some quarters.

In a short space of time, however, Van Dijk proved essential in transforming a shaky Liverpool defence into a solid, tight-knit unit, the team reaching the Champions League final that summer.

Last season, the Dutchman helped the Anfield side win the Champions League trophy as well as push a superb Manchester City outfit all the way in the Premier League.

“Virgil has developed himself over the last three or four years,” Babel told the Liverpool website.

“If you see how he developed since coming to Liverpool, his focus is incredible – 90 minutes fully sharp.

“Now with the leader that he’s become, he definitely deserves it. He’s also very important for us in the Dutch team and a great captain. Much respect to him.”

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There can be little doubt that Van Dijk is currently one of the best, if not the best, defender in world football – Babel is just the latest football figure to send plaudits his way.

Aside from his recent exploits for Liverpool, it’s worth remembering how shaky the Reds defence was prior to his arrival.

Fully worth his £180,000 a week salary (Spotrac), the Dutchman has helped Liverpool to the Champions League and on the brink of a first English top-flight title in 30 years.