This stat proves Virgil van Dijk is one of the best defenders in the Premier League

It should be clear for all to see by now that Virgil van Dijk is a freak of nature as a centre back. And his latest record only serves to confirm it.

He reads the game very well and has the physical attributes to match this intellect, which mark him out as one of, if not, the best central defenders in the world, not just the Premier League.

Another strong performance from him against West Ham United also deepened this point, with the latest statistic about the Dutchman showcasing his quality and Liverpool’s desperate need to keep him at full fitness.