Sami Hyypia has backed Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk to prove that he is ‘the best centre-back in the league’ this season.
Van Dijk has started the new campaign in strong form after a difficult spell last season, in which the Dutch defender was questioned as Liverpool missed out on Champions League qualification.
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The 32-year-old had been regarded as arguably world football’s best centre-back prior to a serious knee injury sustained in October 2020, but former Liverpool skipper Hyypia believes Van Dijk can still reach those levels.
Van Dijk impressed as Liverpool beat Everton in the Merseyside Derby at the weekend and Hyypia has backed the defender to reclaim his place as the Premier League’s finest.
“He is one of the best in the business in the world,” Hyypia told the PA news agency, as per the Independent.
“I think he has raised the standard with everyone expecting him to play at that level every time and that is very difficult.
“But he is doing well, he is a big part of our team and a big leader of the team so I think we all need to be patient and his best is coming.
“I think this season he has shown in some games he is still at the level and I have no doubts he will be the best centre-back in the league this season.”
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