"He was magnificent" - William Gallas on Van Dijk's 2021-22 campaign

Former Premier League defender William Gallas has praised Liverpool centre-back Virgil van Dijk.

The Dutchman suffered a serious knee injury back in October 2020. Van Dijk missed the majority of the 2020-21 campaign as a result (45 games).

However, the 31-year-old did not miss a beat last season. Van Dijk averaged a WhoScored player rating of 7.18 across 34 Premier League fixtures.

Therefore, Gallas only had good things to say about the defender during a recent interview.

"Even though last season, I don’t think he was at his absolute best when he came back from injury, but what he showed for a player that was injured for such a long time, he was magnificent," he told Genting Casino, as quoted by Anfield Watch on Twitter.

"This season I think he will reach his best level, so for me, Van Dijk is the man to beat in the Premier League."

Anfield Watch Verdict

Van Dijk was superb last season. But, he has been immense for a number of years now.

Liverpool signed Van Dijk from Southampton for a transfer fee of £76.19 million back in January 2018.

Since then, the centre-back has made 182 appearances for the club's first-team. In that time, Van Dijk has helped Liverpool win the two biggest trophies in club football - the Champions League and Premier League title.

The Dutchman is contracted until the conclusion of the 2024-25 campaign. With that being the case, the Anfield faithful will be able to sit back and watch Van Dijk represent the Reds for at least a few more years.

Hopefully Van Dijk can stay fit this season and lead the way for the Reds in defence.