Liverpool currently lead the Premier League title race by two points thanks to a 3-1 win over Southampton and Virgil van Dijk again played his part.
Whilst he wasn’t the best performer on the field for the Reds, he was a steadying force from the back in the second half which ensured Liverpool looked strong defensively and could push on and win the game.
Mohamed Salah and Jordan Henderson provided the goals for Liverpool but Van Dijk is a key member of the side in every match they play.
See how we rated Van Dijk and Liverpool at Southampton HERE
This is something which has not gone unnoticed by his team, fans and even opposition players and managers.
Arsenal manager Unai Emery has been the latest man to praise the Dutch centre-back, with his kind words coming on the back of a discussion about the type of players the Gunners need to sign to compete for silverware again.
“I think we can improve first, by spending money to achieve players,” Emery told Goal.com.
“In the past the club have done great work in watching players, finding and signing young players and developing our players in the academy.
Liverpool are far more exciting story than Man City - and their wonderful habit has them top
“I have big respect for our work, for our players in the academy. I want to develop the players here – giving them progress to achieve something at a big club like we are.
“We can also achieve (buy) some players who are in other teams, who can come here and give us this performance – like Van Dijk with Liverpool.”
