FC Twente captain Robin Pröpper has hailed Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk, insisting he can learn a lot from watching the Dutchman play.
Van Dijk has been back to his best for Liverpool this season, establishing himself back in the first team following his long-term knee injury.
While he is not quite at the level he was before that injury, the signs are that it won’t be long before he is playing there again on a consistent basis.
He’s been imperious for Liverpool at home and abroad throughout this campaign, with a series of impressive performances in the Premier League and Champions League having fans and pundits signing his praises once again.
For most, he is comfortably the best defender in world football at this moment in time, with few defenders in the game as good defensively and on the ball as the Liverpool star.
Pröpper is certainly one of those who is a big fan, insisting he sees Van Dijk as an example to watch and learn from.
“I really see Virgil van Dijk as an example,” Twente Fans report him saying.
“He is so calm on the ball, a real leader. When Marco van Basten talked to Matthijs de Ligt last week about defending with loose cheeks, I didn’t know exactly what he meant, but when you look at Van Dijk, you immediately understand.
“The way he fights the duels with his opponent is beautiful to see. Setting up the team and reacting to certain situations that’s something I can learn a lot from Van Dijk.
“He radiates so much calm, and he passes that on to his teammates as well. If you can create that on the pitch, you have a lot of qualities.”
