Jurgen Klopps discusses why he signed Virgil van Dijk up at Liverpool when he did

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The Liverpool boss has been talking about the defenders arrival at Anfield.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has explained his reasons for bringing Virgil van Dijk to Anfield when he did, speaking to The Liverpool Echo.

Van Dijk, who is currently valued at £90m by Transfermarkt, signed for Southampton from Celtic back in 2015 shortly before Klopp took over from Brendan Rodgers in the Reds dugout.

It quickly became apparent that the former Saints man was more than capable of performing at English Premier League level.

However, it took a number of years for bigger sides in the league to show serious interest in the player, during which time Liverpool weren’t exactly winning plaudits for their defensive play.

Klopp though was not coveting the signature of the defender over a lengthy period, admitting that it was only when it became time to make a defensive signing that van Dijk emerged as an obvious candidate.

As quoted by The Liverpool Echo, he explained: “I cannot say that I watched him for the last six years and thought ‘ahh I wait a little bit longer and then I get him’ but the two years he played at Southampton before he got injured, that was really incredible.

“I saw something of him at Celtic, but I didn’t see this world-class player, already. I saw a very-good centre-half, but I didn’t need one at that time.

“And then when we needed him in the moment, it was clear, he can make the next step with us.”

Candid admission

It would be easy for Klopp to pretend that he always thought van Dijk was destined for the top, even when he was only playing in the Scottish top-flight, so full marks to the Anfield boss for honesty.

While his Premier League form indicated he was a superb player, not many thought he would go on to show the kind of form he has over the last 18 months.

His addition to the Liverpool team has been trans-formative, not just because of the ability he has but because he’s emerged as such a leader in the Anfield defensive line. He is their rock and talisman, always on hand to guide his teammates through matches.

While the signs were there that Klopp was always on his way to building a talented and successful team, it’s well recognised that van Dijk was the missing piece of the puzzle.

With the 28-year-old now a serious contender for the Ballon d’Or, Liverpool fans can be grateful to their manager for realising who the right defender in the right moment was.