It’s no coincidence Liverpool have begun their 2021/22 campaign with two clean-sheet victories with Virgil van Dijk back in situ.
The talismanic Dutchman was sorely missed last season following a campaign ending injury in October.
Now back in place having endured a gruelling rehabilitation process, the 30-year-old is already showing signs of a return to peak fitness and form.
Van Dijk was a dominant force of organisation and power on Saturday as Jurgen Klopp’s side overcame Burnley 2-0 at Anfield.
That victory meant the Dutchman remained undefeated in the Premier League at home as a Liverpool player, boasting an enviable record that was cited on Twitter by Football Transfers.
Twitter:
Virgil van Dijk
has never lost a Premier League game at Anfield as a Liverpool player
:
– 48 games
– 43 wins… https://t.co/db7pRDC1ui (@Transferzone00)
In the absence of the 38 times capped Holland captain, the Reds suffered a major slump in form at their Anfield fortress.
Defeat at the hands of Sean Dyche’s side last season led to six straight home losses before the rot came to an end against Aston Villa.
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Valued at £48.8million and having recently signed a contract extension until 2025, the club are well aware of the importance their ‘Rolls Royce’ defender holds.
A phenomenal leader at the back, the Dutchman offers high-quality individual attributes as well as the organisation and an ability to start attacks with an unrivalled passing range.
Whilst nobody can take away from the job done by Nat Phillips and Rhys Williams to steer Liverpool to a third-place finish last term, Van Dijk, Joe Gomez, Joel Matip and Ibrahima Konate are undeniable the first-choice quartet.
As the Reds prepare to welcome European Champions, Chelsea, to their L4 home on Saturday night, Kopites all over the world will hope Van Dijk can at least make it 49 games unbeaten.
