Legendary Manchester United defender Gary Pallister claims that Liverpool will win the Premier League thanks to one player in particular.
The former Old Trafford hero explained how towering Dutch centre-back Virgil van Dijk will make the difference for Arne Slot’s side this season.
As it stands, the Merseysiders are flying high at the top of the table. The Reds are five points above champions Manchester City and nine clear of Arsenal.
Slot has overseen an incredible start at Anfield since taking over from Jurgen Klopp in the summer. So far, the former Feyenoord boss has won nine of his 11 English top-flight games.
In the UEFA Champions League, Slot has won four from four and they top the new league phase format. However, much of their great start can boil down to Van Dijk’s defence prowess says Pallister.
Gary Pallister On Virgil Van Dijk
“Virgil van Dijk had that cruciate ligament injury which certainly looked a struggle for him in his first season back and I wondered whether he’d ever been the same player again.
“That said, I think he’s back to his very best now like he was in those first two years for Liverpool when he was outstanding. He’s up there in the list of the greatest centre backs the Premier League has ever seen.
“When you look players like Tony Adams, John Terry and Vincent Kompany, they’re the markers, so Van Dijk is certainly in the conversation with those names.
“I hate to say it, but he looks back to his best in a very strong Liverpool team and I think he’s one reason why they’re looking like a Premier League-winning side again,” explained Pallister.
Van Dijk will be back in action this week as Liverpool take on Southampton at St Mary’s. The best football betting sites in the UK price the Reds at 17/2 to win 3-0.
