Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has consistently been one of the best defenders in world football for many years now.
Jarell Quansah says Van Dijk is the best centre-back in the world, with the duo having started together in the opening day win versus Ipswich.
Van Dijk impressed for Liverpool, but his defensive partner Quansah was hooked for Ibrahima Konate at half-time by Arne Slot.
An important clean sheet was secured in Slot’s first Premier League game in charge, with Diogo Jota and Mohamed Salah scoring the goals for Liverpool.
Van Dijk needed to stay switched on at all times, with Ipswich having posed a threat at times at Portman Road.
Jordan Henderson and Adrian react to Virgil van Dijk on social media
The Netherlands international has continued where he left off last season, having shone in Jurgen Klopp’s final campaign at Anfield.
And his displays from last time out have not gone unnoticed, with Van Dijk earning a place in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year.
He was fully deserving of the honour, with the Reds captain taking to social media to share his delight, writing on Instagram: “Feeling blessed & grateful to be here for the 4th time! Thank you to all my fellow professionals.”
Among those sending messages to the defender were his former Liverpool teammates Jordan Henderson and Adrian.
Virgil van Dijk the sole Liverpool representative in Team of the Year
Voted for by players, the team was dominated by Manchester City and Arsenal players, but Van Dijk and Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins also made the cut.
Arsenal’s David Raya, William Saliba, Gabriel, Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard all feature, with Man City’s Kyle Walker, Rodri, Phil Foden and Erling Haaland also included.
The Netherlands captain will now have his sights set on another top season, this time under Slot rather than Klopp.
But his contract situation could also be playing on his mind, with Van Dijk’s current deal set to expire next summer.
Worryingly for Liverpool supporters, he isn’t the only one running down his contract, with Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold in the same position.
