Klopp always knew Van Dijk would be 'outstanding'
Virgil van Dijk's impressive Liverpool performances have come as no surprise to manager Jurgen Klopp.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp lauded the impact of Virgil van Dijk since the defender's arrival at Anfield.
Van Dijk, 27, is sure to have a key role to play once more when Liverpool host Everton in the Merseyside derby on Sunday.
The Netherlands international has led a much-improved Liverpool defence since joining from Southampton for a reported £75million in January.
Klopp said he always knew Van Dijk would have a massive impact on arrival at the Premier League giants.
"From the first second, he was brilliant," he told UK newspapers.
"I knew long before he signed the contract that Virgil would be outstanding as a player. His mix of both playing ability and leadership quality makes him outstanding."
Pick. That. One. Out! December 1, 2018
Liverpool go into the derby on the back of a 2-1 loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Wednesday.
Get FourFourTwo Newsletter
The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.
Klopp has decisions to make, particularly in midfield, with captain Jordan Henderson suspended and his side's lack of creativity in that area of the park criticised.
Ahead of the first of eight matches in December, Klopp also hopes Liverpool have some luck.
"If we stay fit and we can choose to rest players that would be great. If not, we will struggle a little bit," he said.
"December, January, you need to be a little bit lucky with injuries. That's how it is. Then you can build on it in February and so on.
"You always have a few problems but that doesn't mean anything. It would just be cool if we came through with the right results and a fully fit squad."
Liverpool can close the gap to Premier League leaders Manchester City back to two points with a derby win.
Thank you for reading 5 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Most Popular
By Mark White
By Ryan Dabbs
By Matthew Holt
By Matthew Holt
By Ryan Dabbs