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#3 Virgil Van Dijk (Liverpool)
The sea change in output and performances for Liverpool’s defence before and after Van Dijk’s signing has been amazing to watch.
Gone is the shaky, uncertain, scatter-gun defending that cost the Reds precious points in the first half of last season and even before then. Following the £75m arrival of the Dutchman, the defence has looked better than ever.
In Van Dijk, manager Jurgen Klopp has gotten the man he has always wanted to marshal his defence. He has become the leader who prompts and guides the backline during a game. Strong in the air, an immaculate tackler who reads the game brilliantly, the 27-year-old has been imperious at the heart of the defence.
Alongside new goalie Alisson Becker, he has led the Reds to have the joint-best defence in the league so far with just 3 goals conceded. This has been central to Liverpool having its best start to a Premier League season in a long time as the attack has not been firing on all cylinders.
He will be absolutely vital for the Reds if they are to end their 30-year wait for a Premier League title.
