Rio Ferdinand labels Liverpool player ‘invaluable’

Add as preferred source on Google

Rio Ferdinand has told his YouTube channel that Virgil van Dijk is absolutely invaluable for Liverpool, even when he is nowhere near his best.

The Reds seem to have cemented their spot in the Premier League title race. Jurgen Klopp’s men thrashed Watford 5-0 on Saturday to keep the pressure on current pace-setters Chelsea.

Of course, their front three stole the show. Roberto Firmino scored a hat-trick. Both Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah also got goals at Vicarage Road.

But the game also saw Liverpool keep their fifth clean sheet in the top flight already this season.

It comes after a campaign in which they managed 12 in the Premier League. So they are already well on their way to surpassing that tally.

Of course, one of the big differences this time around is van Dijk being back from injury having missed the large majority of last season.

The Dutchman has picked up where he left off since returning. He has looked an outstanding act once again.

And Ferdinand suggested that the impact of van Dijk’s return can hardly be put into words.

“Van Dijk, his importance in that team, it’s obvious for all to see. Huge player,” he told his YouTube channel.

“Forget his own personal performance, he could go in and be a seven out of 10, six-and-a-half out of 10, but what he gives to the other players is invaluable. The confidence spreads when he’s in that team. And you see that. When he’s not in there, other players look unstable.”

Pieces falling into place for Liverpool as Ferdinand lauds van Dijk

Liverpool have kept five clean sheets. But they have also scored 22 times already this term.

To put that in context, Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United are next on the list. The trio have scored 16 times each.

Liverpool are also the only team left in the Premier League not to lose a single game so far this season.

They are benefitting from having the large majority of their best players staying fit so far.

And it now seems that they are going to be key players in the title race.