Rio Ferdinand blown away by Liverpool form of Virgil van Dijk

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Rio Ferdinand has told his YouTube channel that Virgil van Dijk is the best defender around right now and deserves all of the plaudits coming his way for his recent performances for Liverpool.

It is almost easy to forget at this stage that the Dutchman spent the majority of last season on the sidelines. Obviously, Jurgen Klopp’s men missed him tremendously last term.

That was largely apparent during the campaign. However, it has only become completely clear how much his absence was felt following his return this season.

Van Dijk has been outrageously good alongside Joel Matip in the Liverpool backline. No side in the league boasts a better goal difference. The Reds have only conceded 20 times so far.

They have now won their last 12 in all competitions. And they have not conceded more than one in a single game since their first fixture of 2022 when they drew with Chelsea.

Van Dijk’s form has been a huge bonus for Liverpool this year. And Ferdinand suggested that he has reestablished himself as the benchmark for centre-backs across the world upon his return to the side.

“Since his injury, he started off a bit shaky, and understandably, but the way he’s come back and absolutely solidified the defence, you have to say that comes down to professionalism and work-ethic on the training pitch, getting yourself right after an injury like that,” he told his YouTube channel.

“So he deserves all of the plaudits he’s getting right now. Top defender, best defender right now.”

Liverpool have every chance of taking title fight down to the wire with van Dijk in the side

Obviously, van Dijk is not the only Liverpool player to shine this season. Players such as Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah are perhaps playing as well as they ever have done.

But the difference van Dijk’s return has had is clear to see. He must bring a lot of freedom to the Liverpool side just by being in that defence.

And with him back, Liverpool now have every chance of sustaining their title challenge for the remainder of the season. It would certainly appear that we may be heading for another grandstand finish.