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

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.