Virgil van Dijk's performance against Tottenham proved why Liverpool broke the world record transfer fee to sign him, according to Mauricio Pochettino.
Van Dijk has quickly become a key player for Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool since signing from Southampton for £75million in January 2018.
The Netherlands international has been a driving force behind Liverpool's Premier League title charge, and managed to make a potentially match-winning contribution during Sunday's 2-1 Anfield win over Tottenham without even having to touch the ball.
With the scores level at 1-1 after Lucas Moura had cancelled out Roberto Firmino's first-half header, Moussa Sissoko had a golden chance to put Spurs in front five minutes from time when Liverpool were caught two-on-one at the back.
However, Van Dijk was the covering defender and, wary of the greater danger of Heung-min Son to his right, the centre-back delayed long enough to force Sissoko into taking the chance on - and the Frenchman blazed over with a nervy finish under pressure from the sliding Van Dijk.
Speaking after the match, Pochettino - who has not signed a single player this season - told Sky Sports: "That shows why Liverpool paid more than £70m for Van Dijk.
"The legs are heavy and it is difficult to be clear to think and it is not his [Sissoko's] best quality but I am so happy with his performance and commitment to the team."
Van Dijk's Liverpool team-mate Trent Alexander-Arnold was similarly effusive, telling Sky Sports: "Virgil [van Dijk] has shown again why he is the best defender in the world.
"You need fortune to win these types of games."
Van Dijk had ice strapped around his ankle following the game to spark potential injury fears, but told BBC Sport: "I'm fine."
The defender added of the title race: When these moments come we never give up. We are going to try and win every game. It's going to be tough but let's enjoy it and keep going."
