Why van Dijk has been Liverpool’s most influential player so far this term

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Liverpool are currently top of the Premier League.

The Reds seem to have improve immensely from last season, and really throwing down the gauntlet to the champions Manchester City.

Jurgen Klopp’s team had opened up a more comfortable lead a couple of months ago, but they remain at the summit by two points and City must respond.

A number of players in the Liverpool team can lay claim to being hugely influential this term.

Mo Salah, last season’s hero, has 20 goals across all competitions, as does Sadio Mane.

Fabinho has been a sensational signing, and his versatility has come in extremely handy for the team this year.

The goalkeeper, Alisson, has also been excellent.

TBR’s view

For Liverpool’s most influential player this season though, it is simply impossible to look past Virgil van Dijk.

The Dutchman, signed for £75 million just over a year ago (BBC Sport), has totally transformed Liverpool’s defence.

Barring his mistake against Fulham on Saturday, which ultiamtely counted for nothing, the star has been in imperious form all season, and is a shoo-in for a Player of the Season nomination at the very least.

After 31 games, the Reds have conceded just 18 goals in the league and van Dijk’s influence has just been enormous. At the same stage last season, they were fourth and had shipped 34, most of those coming before the Dutchman’s arrival in January.

He has made his fee look like a snip. It is truly remarkable how easy he makes defending look at times.

Seldom has he ever given a performance lower than an 8/10, and his leadership qualities are also undeniable.