Alan Shearer has now been lauding the improvements that Virgil van Dijk has made for Liverpool this season after the victory against Brentford.
Shearer picked van Dijk in his ‘Team of the Week’ and said that the defender looked back to his stunning best for Liverpool.
The pundit also picked Alisson Becker in his side, testament to how well the duo performed to maintain a clean sheet.
Discussing van Dijk, Shearer said: “Looking like he is back to his dominant best. A brilliant goal-saving clearance too.”
Of course, Jurgen Klopp’s side have massively improved at the back this year, and that’s a key reason as to why the club are now being considered title challengers once again.
And whilst individual performances have improved, Liverpool are just reaping the rewards of reduced injuries in their side.
Although Andy Robertson is still missing right now, Liverpool’s defence has been ravaged by injuries over the last few years.
But with Kostas Tsimikas now deputising for Robertson fairly well, Liverpool do have a steely back line once again.
Shearer thinks van Dijk is back to his dominant best at Liverpool
As mentioned, Liverpool are now being touted as title challengers.
32-year-old van Dijk already has one Premier League title with Liverpool, and he may now be hoping to captain them to one.
A trip to the Etihad after the international break already looks so crucial for Klopp’s side, who have fared slightly better at home this season.
After beating Brentford 3-0, Liverpool did match a historic home record, proving that Anfield is becoming a fortress once again.
And Shearer would surely be quick to point to van Dijk’s role in Liverpool’s revival.
Whether partnered with Joel Matip or Ibrahima Konate, the Dutch captain has been able to maintain flawless levels.
And the defender will now have his focus on two very important games for his national team during the current break.
The Netherlands face Ireland on Saturday before heading to Gibraltar the following Tuesday – two must win games to salvage their group stage.