Former Manchester United centre-back has been lauding Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk.
Ahead of a meeting between the two bitter rivals next weekend, Ferdinand has hailed the Dutch colossus as ‘invaluable’ to Jurgen Klopp’s side.
Van Dijk has made a relatively seamless return to action following a lengthy layoff due to a serious knee injury picked up in the Merseyside derby last season.
Speaking on his own YouTube Five channel, Ferdinand was full of praise for the impact the 30-year-old has had on his comeback.
Van Dijk, his importance in that team, it’s obvious for all to see. Huge player. Forget his own personal performance, he could go in and be a seven out of 10, six-and-a-half out of 10, but what he gives to the other players is invaluable. The confidence spreads when he’s in that team. And you see that. When he’s not in there, other players look unstable.
Unbeaten in Europe and domestically this season, Klopp’s side certainly look back to their best with the Dutchman in situ.
Seemingly improving with each passing performance, Van Dijk has already earned an impressive 7.28 average Sofascore rating from eight Premier League outings.
READ LIVERPOOL VERDICT
There can be no denying that Van Dijk’s return has instilled a fresh belief into those around him.
It could even be argued Mohamed Salah has been the most inspired by the £49.50million valued star’s presence at the back.
Alongside the likes of Joe Gomez, Ibrahima Konate and more frequently Joel Matip at the heart of the defence, Liverpool look composed and ready to fight on every front this season.
