Former Reds John Arne Riise makes big Virgil van Dijk claim

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London, March 22: Former popular Liverpool full-back John Arne Riise has suggested new winter signing Virgil van Dijk can imitate Anfield greats like Sami Hyypia and Jamie Carragher in his time at the club.

The centre-back moved to Anfield from Southampton for a record £75 million at the start of January. He got off to a terrific debut at Liverpool as he scored the winning goal in their Merseyside derby in FA Cup, winning the game 2-1.

However, following that game the defender started to underperform in consecutive matches and was even sent to the bench in the 3-0 victory over Huddersfield in Premier League. The defender was also at fault during a high-voltage encounter against Tottenham Hotspurs two weeks back as he gave away the last minute penalty in their 2-2 encounter.

However, following that game the player now has again found his feet and looked to settle in the heart of the defence. The player since the Spurs fixture has played seven matches and has only conceded twice, kept five clean sheets.

He helped the Reds advance to the last eight of the Champions League, where they will face Manchester City, while they also sit third in the Premier League.

And now as per the former left-back who played over 300 matches for the Reds during 2001 to 2008 and won the FA Cup in 2006 as well as the famous 2005 Champions League, the Dutch defender carries an enormous leadership skill which is reflecting on the field.

Riise also suggested that every defensive system needs a leader who can lead the back four and provide the required assurance for the full-backs to move forward which he got during his time at the club.

And according to him, now with Van Dijk, the Liverpool team can witness the similar effect at Anfield which they experienced during the era of Sami Hyypia and Jamie Carragher.

“Having Sami Hyypia and Jamie Carragher helped me a lot, as I could go forward knowing that they had my back,” Riise told Liverpool’s offiicial website.

“They were able to see the whole pitch in front of them and if I wasn’t in the correct position - which could happen a lot - they would shout instructions and make me aware.

“Every team should have a leader at the back. Carra and Hyypia were brilliant for that – and I can see Van Dijk doing the same now. I really like what he’s doing.”

The former Norway international also heaped praise on his heir on the left flank of Andy Robertson and suggested he has been impressed by the Scottish international's offensive display.

“I’ve been very impressed. He’s young, aggressive and fit. If he can stay healthy and focused, he has a big future as well. But I want to see him create even more and also score some goals!”