Could signing Southampton’s Van Dijk make Liverpool title winners?

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Dirk Kuyt says Virgil van Dijk would be perfect for Liverpool – would signing Southampton defender make them title challengers?

Virgil van Dijk of Southampton in action during the Premier League match against Liverpool.

Dirk Kuyt has backed fellow Dutchman Virgil van Dijk to succeed at Liverpool should he finally complete his long awaited transfer in January.

The former Reds star thinks that Van Dijk, who was heavily linked with a move to Anfield over the summer before the Saints reported their fellow team to the Premier League for an illegal approach for the defender, is ideally suited for Jurgen Klopp’s side.

Dirk Kuyt with his children celebrates in front of the Feyenoord fans after winning the Dutch Eredivisie.

“I know Virgil. I didn’t play with him in the national team but he’s a great player. We’ll see how things will go in the winter break or at the end of the season,” Kuyt told Sky Sports.

“I don’t think it’s strange for me to say he is a player who will suit Liverpool very well. He has the right mentality and he is a great defender.

“He could do a great job at Liverpool but it’s not for me to say if he would be an improvement or not. That’s up to the club.”

It has been well documented how poor the defence has been under Klopp this season but also since the German first took over as manager since October 2015.

Head Coach of Liverpool Jurgen Klopp attends the press conference prior to their Champions League match against Sevilla.

Only six teams in the English top flight have conceded more league goals than the Merseysiders so far this term, which is hardly the ideal foundation to build a successful title bid on.

Leaders Manchester City are already 12 points ahead of Liverpool and for them to beat the Citizens to top spot would be very surprising, but if they are to mount a genuine challenge in the near future then could the addition of Van Dijk be the missing link?

The 26-year-old is a dominant figure at the back, who is brilliant in the air and prepared for a physical battle, but can also marshal those around him and is decent with the ball at feet.

Van Dijk is arguably the best all round centre-back in the division and coupled with the Reds’ vibrant and effective attack, could finally balance Klopp’s starting XI.