Owen Hargreaves praises Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk for injury recovery

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Former Manchester United and England midfielder, Owen Hargreaves, has praised Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk for the way he has come back from injury for the Reds.

Van Dijk’s injury last season against Everton coincided with Liverpool dropping off a cliff in terms of their form. The Reds never recovered, and ultimately surrendered their league title with ease.

However, Van Dijk is now back in action and putting in superb performances once more. Indeed, against Arsenal yesterday, he was a rock and was barely troubled by Aubameyang and co.

And speaking to the Premier League’s official website, Hargreaves believes Van Dijk deserves huge praise for handling the mental side of the game.

“For him to be out for 10 months and just seeing him there. He always has this grace about him. Never gets too up, or too down,” Hargreaves said.

“I think he’s a proper leader. Fabulous player. And I’m just so happy to see him back playing as he is. I know how much work goes into that (coming back), so I respect that a lot. It’s a real credit to him.”

Van Dijk has been monumental in Liverpool’s rise to the top of the Premier League pile in recent seasons. The Dutchman was a club-record signing, but now looks worth every penny.

TBR’s View: Van Dijk key for Liverpool and unsurprising to see them in form with him fit

The loss of Van Dijk last season was absolutely massive for Liverpool. It derailed their entire season and frankly, the club never recovered.

But now he’s back, they look almost unbeatable. Of course, West Ham showed they can be taken apart on their off days. But overall, this Liverpool side is right up there with the very best.

If Van Dijk can keep fit and keep up this level of performance, then Liverpool could well find themselves with a second Premier League title wrapped up.