Rio Ferdinand has lavished praise on the way Virgil Van Dijk has recovered from last season’s injury to be back to his best for Liverpool.
Speaking on his Rio Reacts YouTube series (52mins 6secs), the pundit claimed that Van Dijk has put an understandably wobbly start to the season well and truly behind him, through hard work on the training field.
“Since his injury, he started off a bit shaky and understandably,” said Ferdinand.
“The way he’s come back and just absolutely solidified the defence, you have to say again that comes down to professionalism, work ethic on the training pitch getting yourself right after a big injury like that.”
Judging by the videos the club released of his training programme, the Dutchman worked his socks off to be back fit for the start of this season.
He’s now reaping the rewards of that. Long may it continue.
Getting up to speed
It certainly wasn’t a comfortable start to the season for Van Dijk. But as Ferdinand says, that was to be expected after such a long time out injured.
As the 30-year-old’s confidence has grown over the winter time, Liverpool’s performances have grown alongside that.
That isn’t a coincidence. Van Dijk is one of The Reds’ most important players. If he is at his best he helps to dictate play and keep Liverpool on the front foot.
But the confidence others around him take from his presence alone is palpable.
This is something Ferdinand understands. As one of the best defenders of his day, the 43-year-old knows what a top centre-back looks like.
He sees this in Van Dijk, who he claims is the best around right now.
“He deserves all the plaudits he’s getting right now. Top defender, best defender about right now,” said Rio.
It isn’t exactly a hot take from Ferdinand. Van Dijk is one of the most prominent defenders in the world. Before his injury he was indisputably the best around, and is starting to get back to that level again.
But still, it’s always good to hear that Virgil is held in such high regard by those who know his craft so well.
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