Five writers choose who will be Liverpool Player of the Year in 2018/19

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MAY 13: Mohamed Salah of Liverpool celebrates after receiving his Premier League Golden Boot Award after the Premier League match between Liverpool and Brighton and Hove Albion at Anfield on May 13, 2018 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MAY 13: Mohamed Salah of Liverpool celebrates after receiving his Premier League Golden Boot Award after the Premier League match between Liverpool and Brighton and Hove Albion at Anfield on May 13, 2018 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
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Liverpool van dijk
BLACKBURN, ENGLAND – JULY 19: Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool during the Pre-Season Friendly between Blackburn Rovers and Liverpool at Ewood Park on July 19, 2018 in Blackburn, England. (Photo by Lynne Cameron/Getty Images)

Virgil van Dijk – David Gate

Twitter – @davidgatesports

I thought this was an incredible signing for Liverpool but even I was slightly taken aback by the price and wondered if he would be worth that outlay. I needn’t have worried.

Virgil van Dijk is a rock. Standing a thousand feet tall at the heart of the Liverpool defense. Heading away every aerial bombardment that comes his way with barely a wobble of his beautiful mane.

Virgil van Dijk is like anti-anxiety medicine. I see his name on the team sheet and I immediately feel at ease. I can breathe at a normal rate and my pulse can stay at a level that won’t concern my doctor. I don’t even worry about Dejan Lovren when Big Virg is next to him.

Virgil van Dijk is like a conductor. Spreading balls left and right. Pulling the strings at the base of Liverpool’s spine.

Virgil van Dijk is a marauder. Striding forward with the ball at his feet. Busting through ranks of journeyman Premier League footballs like they are statues. What a fella.

With a whole preseason under his belt and better support from midfield and goalkeeper I expect Virgil van Dijk has a season for the ages in his prime. The quality of our defense will shock people this season. Clean sheets everywhere.