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Centre Back: Virgil van Dijk
Nationality: Dutch
Club: Liverpool
What is there to say about Virgil van Dijk that hasn't already been said this season? The Dutch international has been immense for Liverpool this season, and may single-handedly be the reason why the club wins its first ever Premier League title. Brought in from Southampton in the summer, for a staggering 75 million pounds to shore up the team's defence, he has done that and more.
The world record fee paid for him seems like more and more of a bargain as each day passes, and van Dijk continues to exceed all expectations. The actual defensive work required of him is not much, due to Liverpool's high ball possession and domination of games, but he has proven himself to be more than capable when he is called upon.
With 2.2 tackles and interceptions per game, and 3 goals and an assist for good measure, van Dijk has put up solid numbers for Liverpool. His passing accuracy of 89.6% rivals that of some of Europe's top playmakers, and it is no exaggeration at all to say that right now, he is the best central defender in world football.
