Speaking on the Pitch Side Podcast, Andy Robertson has been discussing some of Liverpool’s transfer business in recent years.
Say what you will about Liverpool’s performances on the pitch this season, their transfer business over the past five years or so has been almost impeccable.
Luis Diaz, Mo Salah, Alisson Becker and Fabinho have all been game-changing signings, and they all settled very quickly.
However, according to Robertson, the one signing who made the most immediate impact was Virgil van Dijk, stating that the Dutchman was an immediate leader in the dressing room.
Van Dijk’s impact
Robertson spoke about the signings that took to life at Liverpool the quickest.
“Last season, on the pitch Luis Diaz settled in really quickly, he doesn’t speak a word of English, but he settled in quickly in terms of playing. I would say Virg. He’s a leader in the dressing room as soon as he came in. His presence, his character and everyone took to him. Everyone settles in really quickly and we have an open dressing room where it’s easy to come out of your shell,” Robertson said.
Changed everything
The arrival of Virgil van Dijk in 2018 changed the Reds from pretenders to contenders.
Let’s not forget, for most of that season the Merseyside club were scrambling for a place in the top four, but once van Dijk arrived, they managed to ease into a Champions League spot and even made a Champions League final.
Almost overnight, van Dijk solved all of Liverpool’s defensive issues and made this team that were somewhat struggling to reach their potential into genuine challengers for the biggest honours.
Van Dijk’s impact was instant at Liverpool and he may well be the most important signing the club have made during this era.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
