Virgil Van Dijk will have been spurred on watching Ruben Dias perform for Manchester City last season, says Jamie Redknapp.
The Reds centre-back was forced to miss the vast majority of last season with a knee injury, and made his return on Saturday.
Van Dijk played the full 90 minutes in Liverpool’s 3-0 win over Norwich City, in what was his first competitive appearance since last October.
During Van Dijk’s absence, Dias scooped a handful of individual awards including the PFA Player of the year, on the way to helping Man City win the Premier League.
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Redknapp believes that watching Dias succeed while on the sidelines will spur Van Dijk to succeed with Liverpool this season.
“The fact that he had to watch from the sidelines last year as Ruben Dias stole the show as the best defender in the league - he'll be motivated to show he is the best this season,” Redknapp said on Sky Sports.
“He’s a majestic footballer and you don’t see that very often.
"He was probably watching everyone waxing lyrical about Ruben Dias and he wants that mantle as the best defender in the Premier League.”
Van Dijk didn’t feature in pre-season until the fourth match against Hertha Berlin last month, but did build-up his minutes up to playing against Norwich on Saturday.
Redknapp went on to say that Liverpool managed Van Dijk’s recovery to perfection, adding what effect the Dutchman has on his teammates.
"I think it’s been timed perfectly, and he’s not been rushed in too much. For me, he’s one of the best I’ve ever seen,” said Redknapp.
“The assurance he gives everyone around him. It’s hard when you’ve been out for such a long time. I think it’s been timed perfectly, and he’s not been rushed in too much.”
Meanwhile, Dias played on Sunday as City lost their opening game of the campaign 1-0 away to Spurs.
