Van Dijk has impressed for the Reds, helping them to second in the Premier League and a second successive Champions League final.
West Ham United defensive midfielder Declan Rice has picked Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk as his Premier League player of the season.
The Reds signed the Dutchman from Southampton in January 2018 for a fee in the region of £75million, an outlay of money which initially drew criticism from some quarters.
However, in a short space of time, Van Dijk proved a key component in transforming a somewhat rickety Liverpool defence into a solid, tightly-knit unit, the team reaching the Champions League final that summer.
In 2018-19, the 27-year-old grew even more into the role and his superb displays saw Jurgen Klopp’s side claim a sensational 97 points in the Premier League, pushing the behemoths of Manchester City all the way to the final day.
Van Dijk’s performances have also made a huge impact in Europe, with Liverpool reaching a second consecutive Champions League final, where they will face fellow Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur at Madrid’s Wanda Metropolitano stadium.
In conversation with the West Ham website, Rice said when asked of his player of the season: “Virgil van Dijk. He doesn’t look he ever gets out of first gear. He is so composed on the ball and always seems to be in the right position. He’s a great player and deserves all the praise he has been getting.”
Rice has had a superb season for the East Londoners, making his breakthrough in the first team and going on to make 38 appearances in all competitions and scoring twice, according to Transfermarkt.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
