Slot reveals he was shocked by ‘finest defender on the planet’ Van Dijk and admits Liverpool captain is on ‘one other stage’

Liverpool supervisor Arne Slot has admitted he has been greatly surprised by Virgil van Dijk’s distinctive means, describing the membership captain as being on “one other stage”.

Now 33, Van Dijk is within the remaining six months of his contract and not too long ago made his three hundredth look for Liverpool of their 4-1 victory over Ipswich City.

Since arriving at Anfield, the Dutch centre-back has gained all of it, together with the Premier League, Champions League, Membership World Cup, Tremendous Cup, FA Cup, and two League Cups.

Regardless of hypothesis surrounding his future, Van Dijk has been instrumental in main Liverpool to the highest of the Premier League, securing a spot within the Champions League final 16, and advancing to the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup.

Slot, talking with Gary Lineker, stated: “All people right here in England would let you know that Virgil van Dijk is the very best defender on the planet.

“In Holland, he obtained a bit extra criticism than he will get over right here in England. I used to be, in a really constructive manner, shocked how good he was on the ball and the way he might play soccer via the strains.

“From the primary day I used to be like ‘wow, that is undoubtedly one other stage that I’m used to’. However folks in England had been used to this.”

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Slot, who took over at Liverpool final summer time following Jurgen Klopp’s departure, has guided the staff to a six-point lead over Arsenal within the Premier League, with a recreation in hand.

Liverpool have additionally dominated their Champions League marketing campaign, profitable all seven matches to date, securing their last-16 spot with one recreation remaining. Their remaining group stage match sees them face PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday.

Reflecting on Liverpool’s season, Slot admitted their present place exceeded his expectations.

“You don’t assume after 20 video games we could have that many factors and I wasn’t anticipating us to be prime with the margin we’ve,” he added.

“It’s all the time good to be up there, however no person would have anticipated this. I’m the final one that would have anticipated [reigning champions Manchester] Metropolis to have such a nasty run.

“Liverpool ought to all the time be competing for a league title, we must always all the time be competing for the Champions League. I’m hoping I will maintain the membership at that stage.”