“I hate to say it” - Manchester United legend Gary Pallister names Liverpool star as ‘one reason’ why Reds will win league title

Manchester United legend Gary Pallister has heaped praise on Liverpool captain and star defender Virgil van Dijk. He believes the Dutchman is a key reason behind the Reds' emergence as Premier League title contenders again.

Speaking to Football365, Pallister opined that Van Dijk was on the same level as Arsenal great Tony Adams and Chelsea legend John Terry. The former Manchester United defender admitted that the Liverpool captain took some time to get back to his best after his ACL injury, but believes he is now back to his best. He said:

“Virgil van Dijk had that cruciate ligament injury which certainly looked a struggle for him in his first season back and I wondered whether he’d ever been the same player again. That said, I think he’s back to his very best now like he was in those first two years for Liverpool when he was outstanding. He’s up there in the list of the greatest centre backs the Premier League has ever seen."

“When you look players like Tony Adams, John Terry and Vincent Kompany, they’re the markers, so Van Dijk is certainly in the conversation with those names. I hate to say it, but he looks back to his best in a very strong Liverpool team and I think he’s one reason why they’re looking like a Premier League-winning side again,” he added.

Liverpool are currently top of the Premier League table with 28 points from 11 matches. They face Southampton next on Sunday, November 24, in the league. Tough tests against Manchester City, Newcastle United and Everton in the league await after a blockbuster match-up against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League.

Liverpool have found the perfect balance, claims former Manchester United star

Gary Pallister believes that Arne Slot has found the perfect balance at Liverpool. The former Manchester United defender named Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah as key parts of the system and said:

“Liverpool have the perfect balance at the moment, and that’s so hard to find in any team. You’ve players like Trent Alexander-Arnold whose greatest attributes aren’t defending, but what he gives you on the ball with his vision and the delivery of those passes is unbelievable. Then they’ve got Mohamed Salah who keeps on scoring goals, so they’ve got the balance right at the moment. However, it’s having a good defence that always gives you the confidence that one goal can win you the game."

Liverpool have begun their post-Jurgen Klopp era in fine fashion under Arne Slot. Meanwhile, Manchester United are set to start life under Rubem Amorim with a league game against Ipswich Town coming up on Sunday, November 24.