Paul Merson explains the ‘fear factor’ of playing against Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk

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Liverpool are just about the worst team for any opponent to come against at this point in the season.

Having only been beaten three times in 37 matches this term, the Reds are virtually impossible to get the better of.

Part of the reason for that is the brilliance of Arne Slot and the way he continues to set his Liverpool team up.

However, for the most part, it is the players who deserves the biggest slice of credit.

There are some truly gargantuan footballers within this Liverpool squad. And none embody that superstar spirit quite like captain Virgil van Dijk.

With an iron-clad mentality and the quality to match, Van Dijk is a centre-forward’s worst nightmare. And according to pundit Paul Merson, the Liverpool captain holds a ‘fear factor’ for anyone who faces him.

Paul Merson explains Virgil van Dijk theory

Van Dijk has had another terrific season. As the clock runs down on his current Liverpool contract, fans are desperate that it won’t be his last at Anfield.

On the other side of that coin, opposition fans and players must be hoping that Van Dijk does not sign new terms and departs in May.

Speaking on Sky Sports about the 33-year-old, Merson says that anyone who comes up against Van Dijk simply wants to get rid of the ball as soon as possible.

“He’s a Rolls-Royce of a player,” says the former Arsenal midfielder. “He reminds me of a Rio Ferdinand, that presence, comfortable, a leader, just top defenders.”

READ MORE: Virgil van Dijk’s former teammate Jose Fonte suggests Liverpool captain has three top clubs all keen to sign him

“He carries a fear factor. Salah carries a fear factor to full-backs and defenders with his goals. He’s the other way around. Anybody who squares up against him can’t wait to get rid of the ball.”

“He has this fear factor of like, ‘well I can’t get past you, I may as well just pass it,'” Merson adds. “And I think he’s earned that right, he’s a special player.

“The way he acts on the pitch, everything. The way he sprays that diagonal ball around to Salah. I couldn’t talk highly enough of him, there isn’t another level.”

Tim Sherwood adds to Van Dijk praise

As well as Merson and former Tottenham centre-back Michael Dawson, who hails Van Dijk as the Premier League’s best ever defender, Tim Sherwood also adds to the praise of Liverpool’s No.4.

“This guy’s pulling people around, digging them out, giving them bad news when they need bad news,” said the former Spurs manager. “He’s not ashamed to do that.”

“He had a dip and he’s come back. He had an amazing season and then he had a dip in his form. But now he’s back to his best.

“I think he’s making Konate look better alongside him as well,” Sherwood adds. “I just think he’s a Rolls-Royce of a footballer, he’s got everything in his game.”

Still at his very best, it feels as though there is even more to come from Van Dijk. Liverpool simply have to get this contract sorted.