Arne Slot, manager of Liverpool, admitted that he was surprised how good Virgil van Dijk was this season.
Van Dijk now 33, has the effects of his ACL history earlier in his career in Liverpool.
Slot, a Dutch colleague, admitted that he did not always see van Dijk in the same light due to his experience in the Netherlands National team, but was stressed on it Football focus that he now fully understands the excitement.
“Everyone here in England would tell them that Virgil van Dijk is the best defender in the world,” the slot began. “In Holland he got a little more criticism than he exceeded here in England.
“I was surprised in a very positive way how good he was on the ball and how he could play football through the lines. From the first day I was like ‘Wow, that is definitely another level that I am used to. But that People in England were used to it.
Slot also admitted that he was one of many who did not believe that he would enjoy success so immediately to replace Jürgen Klopp as a Liverpool manager. The Reds are the top of the Champions League table and also have a lead of six points against Arsenal on the summit of the Premier League, even though he played one game less.
“They don’t believe that after 20 games we will have so many points, and I did not expect that we are at the top with the lead we have,” he continued. “It’s always nice to be up there, but nobody would have expected that. I am the last person who would have expected [Manchester] City to have such a bad run. “
As for van Dijk, his long -term future in Liverpool is unclear. From the rest of the season, it remains to be seen whether he will extend his stay to Merseyside or not.
“I have no idea [how many more appearances he will make for Liverpool]”Van Dijk said recently.” How many have gone this season? Hopefully these are guaranteed and then I don’t know what the future will bring. “