Virgil van Dijk wowed by ‘exceptional’ Liverpool player’s performances over the international break

Add as preferred source on Google

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk was in good touch for the Netherlands over the international break.

The towering defender, who also captains his country, played every minute for Ronald Koeman as they topped up their 5-2 win against Bosnia and Herzegovina with a 2-2 draw against Germany.

Van Dijk has started the season in fine form and is yet to concede a goal in the Premier League as he continues to lead the Liverpool rearguard with aplomb under Arne Slot.

The 33-year-old has enjoyed a strong start to the new season, but another player who has been sublime for club and country is Ryan Gravenberch.

And Van Dijk has been quite impressed by how well his teammate for club and country fared over the international break.

Virgil van Dijk lauds Liverpool teammate Ryan Gravenberch

Gravenberch was hailed as a ‘revelation’ by the Dutch media for his performance against Germany as he controlled the game in the centre of the park.

The 22-year-old started both games and built on his strong start to the season, offering a fitting response to his manager after Koeman claimed Gravenberch still has a lot to improve.

After the 2-2 draw against the Germans, the Liverpool midfielder took to Instagram to post a collection of photos from the international break.

His post garnered several responses which include the likes of Van Dijk, Arsenal’s Jurrien Timber and Tottenham Hotspur’s Micky van de Ven, among others.

Jurgen Klopp described Gravenberch as an ‘exceptional’ player and the Dutchman finally seems to be living up to the billing this season.

Van Dijk and Gravenberch have been key players under Slot

The arrival of a Dutch manager has worked out well for the pair, who have started each of Liverpool’s three Premier League games under Slot.

Van Dijk is one of the best defenders in the world and his spot in the team was a foregone conclusion regardless of who replaced Klopp at the helm.

As for Gravenberch, he has taken to the number six role like a duck to water and is set to return to Liverpool after two fantastic showings for his country.

The 22-year-old is finally starting to find his feet and will look to carry on his rich vein of form when the Reds host Nottingham Forest at home on Saturday.

​

​