Hyypia Backs Van Dijk To Reclaim Position As Premier League's Best Defender

Van Dijk was the Premier League's top most defender when he joined Liverpool from Southampton in January 2018 but a knee injury sustained against Everton in October 2020 slowed his progress.

The Netherlands international was back to his commanding best in the Merseyside derby over the weekend when he helped Jurgen Klopp's side claim a 2-0 victory.

Van Dijk was named Liverpool captain this summer after Jordan Henderson left for Saudi Arabia and Hyypia expects the former Celtic man to play a big part at Anfield this season.

“He is one of the best in the business in the world,” Hyypia told the PA news agency at a Nike Game On initiative which, in conjunction with the LFC Foundation, has provided more than 8,000 local schoolchildren with access to a range of sports.

“I think he has raised the standard with everyone expecting him to play at that level every time and that is very difficult.

“But he is doing well, he is a big part of our team and a big leader of the team so I think we all need to be patient and his best is coming.

“I think this season he has shown in some games he is still at the level and I have no doubts he will be the best centre-back in the league this season.”