Premier League: 5 players central to their team's fortunes this season

#3 Virgil Van Dijk (Liverpool)

Van Dijk has been a difference maker for Liverpool

The difference in Liverpool's goals against tally before and after Van Dijk arrived is truly astonishing. Before the Dutchman turned up at Anfield, the Reds were a basket case at the back, conceding all sorts of silly goals.

Jurgen Klopp identified the current Oranje captain as the man to fix his team. Despite issues with Southampton, Liverpool persisted and eventually got their man for £75m (a world record for a defender).

Unflappable, strong, brilliant in the air, aggressive and a great reader of the game, he has added steel and most importantly, organization to the Liverpool defence.

With Van Dijk orchestrating, the defence is the meanest in the league with only 8 goals conceded in 20 matches. Youngster, Joe Gomez and Dejan Lovren have improved exponentially playing alongside the Dutchman.

The backline has been the main reason why the Reds have gone ahead of Manchester City. If Liverpool is to break its Premier League hoodoo, Van Dijk's skills and leadership will be central to it.