---
title: "Liverpool star hails Van Dijk as the key to the Reds’ midfield excelling"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/articles/liverpool-star-hails-van-dijk-as-the-key-to-the-reds-midfield-excelling/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Henry Jackson"
section: "Articles"
published: "2020-03-13T21:00:09Z"
modified: "2020-03-13T21:00:09Z"
---

# Liverpool star hails Van Dijk as the key to the Reds’ midfield excelling

Gini Wijnaldum has hailed Virgil van Dijk as the key to Liverpool’s midfield excelling.

The two Dutchmen have both become vital players in this Reds side, playing a huge role in their recent success.

While Van Dijk is [renowned](https://www.ccn.com/colossus-virgil-van-dijk-is-the-premier-leagues-greatest-ever-center-back/) around the world for his brilliance as a defender, he has also been lauded for the impact he has on Liverpool further up the pitch.

Speaking to [joe.co.uk](https://www.joe.co.uk/sport/gini-wijnaldum-exclusive-interview-playing-with-firmino-is-like-playing-with-12-players-242071), Wijnaldum oultined why his club and international colleague was such an influence on the Reds’ midfield:

> I worked with him at the national team, so I already knew what kind of player he is.
>
> I knew what kind of player he is, and when he came I knew he could transform the backline but also the line in front of him, so the midfielders.
>
> The way he puts everyone in their position helps the whole team, he’s a leader.

### Read Liverpool Verdict

I believe Van Dijk has been Liverpool’s most important signing of the Jurgen Klopp era, making a bigger difference than any other player. Before his arrival, the Reds were porous at the back, highlighted by a [4-1 defeat](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/41625743) at Tottenham in 2017.

Since Van Dijk has joined, however, Liverpool have improved hugely, conceding just [43 times](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/table) in their last [67 league matches](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2018%E2%80%9319_Premier_League).

He possesses an aura that improves those around him and his game is genuinely [faultless](https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/faultless-van-dijk-deserves-to-win-ballon-dor-ahead-of-messi/11n23p45yewmk19x9cguuufr3v), with pace, power, leadership and quality in abundance.

The Netherlands superstar has been an [ever-present](https://www.whoscored.com/Players/95408/Show/Virgil-van-Dijk) in the Premier League this season – Liverpool’s position in the table highlights how invaluable his impact has been.

* * *

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