'I won't forget him': Virgil van Dijk raves about 'amazing' Liverpool player who hasn't even played in 2024

7 months ago 137

Virgil van Dijk has mentioned a surprise name while speaking about his best-ever teammates at Liverpool.

The Dutchman has been a part of a Reds side that has seen incredible success over the last few years. He has helped them win the Premier League and the Champions League along with the domestic cups, and he will go down as one of their greatest-ever players.

However, Van Dijk isn’t the only Liverpool player who has played a big part in their success under Jurgen Klopp over the last five years.

There are many others, and Van Dijk has heaped praise on some of them now.

Virgil van Dijk Joel Matip Liverpool
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images

Virgil van Dijk praises Liverpool teammate who hasn’t played in 2024

Liverpool signed Virgil van Dijk from Southampton for a then-club-record fee in January 2018.

There were a few eyebrows raised at the time when Liverpool decided to splash the big bucks, but the Dutchman has proved to be a bargain in recent years, hasn’t he?

Van Dijk is one of the best defenders in the world. He has been magnificent for Liverpool and is one of the biggest reasons why they have won so much.

Liverpool have had a number of other players who have done an incredible job as well in recent years. Van Dijk has had his say on a few of them, including his good pal Joel Matip.

In the latest episode of the Rest is Football podcast, Gary Lineker asked the defender to name his best-ever teammates at Liverpool over the years.

After raving about Roberto Firmino, Van Dijk said: “At the moment I’m playing with amazing players – Mohamed Salah, Alisson Becker.

“I won’t forget Joel Matip. Obviously, he’s injured now but he’s been incredible for the football club, coming in as a free agent.”

READ MORE: Jurgen Klopp now thinks ‘extraordinary’ 18-year-old defender can replace Joel Matip at Liverpool

Joel Matip’s stats at Liverpool tell us two things

Joel Matip is a phenomenal defender, and it’s no surprise that Virgil van Dijk speaks so highly of him.

The Cameroonian, who joined the Reds from Schalke on a free transfer, is one of the most underrated centre-backs in the Premier League.

He has played over 200 games for the Reds and has helped them win seven trophies, which shows just how important he has been. He will always be remembered fondly by Liverpool supporters.

However, on the flip side, there is a frustrating statistic that, in a way, would define Matip’s time at Liverpool – since moving to Anfield, Matip has missed a total of 140 games due to injury.

He is currently injured as well and is not expected to return before the end of the season. He may well have played his last game for the club.

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