Exclusive: Former Midfielder Hails Liverpool Star as ‘The Best the Premier League Has Ever Seen’ | OneFootball

Exclusive: Former Liverpool Midfielder Makes Huge Virgil Van Dijk Claim After Premier League Title Victory

Reality is slowly starting to sink in as Liverpool secured their 20th league title at Anfield on Sunday after a 5-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur.

For some, like new head coach Arne Slot, it was the start of a special legacy at the club but for others it was a case of cementing an already-iconic status at England’s biggest club.

None more so than the Reds’ star duo Virgil Van Dijk and Mohamed Salah, who both won their second Premier League title just weeks after signing new two-year contracts at the club.

Former Liverpool and Everton midfielder Don Hutchison spoke exclusively to Anfield Index and explained just how crucial both Salah and Van Dijk’s new contracts are…

Photo: IMAGO

Salah and Van Dijk: “At Their Very Best”

“Yeah, I think you look at them, they’re two physically very fit specimens,” began Hutchison, “You look at the two guys that, on and off the pitch, live their lifestyle the correct way. They’re really fit.”

“I mean, injuries can play a part to anyone, you haven’t got a crystal ball and you can’t predict the future, that’s why you need a big squad. But in terms of those two guys, they’re at their very best.”

Both players have enjoyed injury-free seasons so far and have played a pivotal role in Liverpool’s success at both ends of the pitch.

With deals now running until June 2027, Slot will be hoping to keep his two leaders fully fit and firing as the Reds look to retain their title next season.

Photo: IMAGO

“The Best the Premier League Has Ever Seen”

“I had a conversation yesterday and I ranked Virgil van Dijk as the best centre-back in the Premier League we’ve ever seen,” said Hutchison.

“There’s guys like John Terry, Tony Adams, Rio Ferdinand, Sol Campbell. Of course, there’s guys that can come into that conversation, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone play the game like Van Dijk.”

“Nobody is as good, as calm, and as composed, and able to be a natural leader than the way Van Dijk captains Liverpool.”

Photo: IMAGO

Liverpool had only won two trophies in the 12 years prior to Virgil Van Dijk signing for the Reds in January 2018. In the seven years since, they have won nine trophies including two Premier League titles and one UEFA Champions League.

The captain has been ever-present in Liverpool’s success this season, starting every single one of the Reds’ 34 Premier League games so far this season.