Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk in English Premier League action with Tottenham's Lucas Moura at Anfield, March 31, 2019. — Reuters pic
But now the investment looks one of the wisest in recent Premier League history, with one Van Dijk moment in particular, during the weekend win over Tottenham, being held up as an example of his peerless form. “Of course,” said teammate Andy Robertson when asked if that one moment showcased Van Dijk's skills to their utmost.
“But these situations are going to happen. We're maybe going to get a wee bit exposed at the back but there's nobody better to deal with it. Luckily we got away with one there and they've not got away with it.” Manchester City's Raheem Sterling is another strong candidate for the end-of-season individual awards but Van Dijk has made a strong case and the only slight concern for Klopp after the Tottenham victory was the sight of his key defender using an ice pack on a muscle injury after the game.