Glen Johnson: What I really think about Virgil van Dijk at Liverpool FC
Glen Johnson says Virgil van Dijk can put world-class strikers “to sleep” after the Dutch star helped Liverpool FC to reach the Champions League quarter-finals.
The Netherlands international was suspended for Liverpool FC’s goalless draw with Bayern Munich in the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 clash.
However, Van Dijk returned for the second leg at the Allianz Arena and the 27-year-old played a key role in their 3-1 victory over Bayern.
The Liverpool FC record signing teed up Sadio Mane to break the deadlock in the first half before the centre-half restored the visitors’ lead after the break with a header.
Jurgen Klopp’s side have the opportunity to hoist themselves above Premier League leaders Manchester City with a victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday.
Van Dijk has played a big part in the transformation of the Liverpool FC defence over the past 12 months.
The Reds have the best defensive record in the Premier League after conceding just 17 times in 30 games so far.
Former Liverpool FC right-back Johnson backed Van Dijk to lead the Reds to Champions League glory this season.
“As a player you don’t want to see others around you panicking and that’s one thing I’ve never seen him do,” Johnson told talkSPORT.
“When players see him as calm as he is in every situation, it rubs off and everyone puffs themselves out as well.
“There’s going to be many times in the Champions League you’ll come up against world-class strikers, and he’s the player you need to put them to sleep.”
Liverpool FC will face Portuguese giants FC Porto in the Champions League quarter-finals after their 3-1 aggregate win over Bayern Munich.
The Reds will take on FC Porto at Anfield on Tuesday 11 April.
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