Liverpool legend Phil Thompson knows a thing or two about quality defenders - and he told us why Virgil van Dijk could become one of Liverpool's all-time greats.
There's something a bit special about Virgil van Dijk, most football fans can spot that, but what exactly makes him so good? Can he become a Liverpool legend?
One of Anfield's best defenders gives Sporting Life his take on the Reds centre back...
What makes Virgil van Dijk such a good centre-back?
I think there are too many things to say in an interview. He possesses so much in his make-up. His size is a major help, I don’t mean height-wise but his physique is astonishing, it is so imposing for people. Imagine you are lining up in the tunnel and lining up with this colossus - it certainly helps.
His all-around ability and use of the ball, whether it be with his head or his feet, is top class, as well as his reading of the game. His organisational qualities at the back have changed - you have to make sure other people are in the right position at the right time, and he does exactly that.
If Andy Robertson is flying further forward, he sees it and can see the attack happening and then he gradually fills in, which means they then have to change direction and go the other way.
I knew he had the other qualities but these organisational qualities have certainly come to the fore since he moved to Liverpool. It just shows that you pay for quality. We have paid for him and Alisson and that goals against column has been so healthy this campaign.
The last thing is that he exudes confidence and calmness, which helps the others around him.
Odds update...
It looks like a two-horse race for the Player of the Year award, with Raheem Sterling making a late run at Virgil van Dijk, although the Liverpool man remains odds-on.
PFA Player of the Year: Virgil van Dijk 4/11 | Raheem Sterling 3/1 | Sergio Aguero 14/1
How does he compare to the likes of some of the past Liverpool greats, for example Alan Hansen and Sami Hyypia?
Well you look at size-wise for these guys, Van Dijk just looks so strong. Alan Hansen has always been the best centre-half since Bobby Moore, and that makes it extremely difficult in itself to get to anywhere near his level.
Greatness and legendary status comes with longevity at a football club and the trophies that you can win with the team. That obviously goes for Hansen who was so successful with Liverpool.
Sami Hyypia was a wonderful centre-back. Hyypia was the same as Van Dijk as for someone so tall, they both have the qualities of a centre-midfielder, and a creative one at that.
If he can win things and break through that barrier for Jurgen Klopp, then greatness awaits him at Anfield and he will certainly challenge Hansen if he is to win one of the big trophies.
In 18 months, he has already made great strides and transformed that Liverpool defence.
Should he win the Player of the Year award?
I don’t think there is a shadow of a doubt about this. I think both awards are right in his grasp.
Fernandinho for a long spell was up there with him the way he was playing and then Raheem Sterling in the last couple of months has been a strong challenger with his form and goals.
I go back to the first third of the season when Fernandinho was holding the Manchester City fort. Players go through that spell, but you have to look over what they do over that nine or seven-and-a-half-month period when they are casting the votes, on who has been the most consistent.
That is where he really comes out on top, over those two players.
