"Player of the season so far" – John Aldridge singles out Liverpool star for praises after Reds' flying start to the season

Ex-Liverpool attacker John Aldridge has showered special praise on Virgil van Dijk, suggesting the centre-back has been the Reds' best player in the ongoing 2024-25 season.

Van Dijk, who is in the final year of his deal, has opened the ongoing campaign on a remarkable note. He has been at the top of his game alongside Ibrahima Konate at the heart of the Reds' defence, helping them register four clean sheets in seven total games this season.

During an interaction with Liverpool Echo, Aldridge named the towering Dutchman as his former club's best performing player this campaign. The 66-year-old opined (h/t Tribal Football):

"For me, Van Dijk has been Liverpool's player of the season so far. He looks fit, is right on top of his game, and I do think he has improved further having been handed the captaincy. If he wants another contract, then the club will surely give it to him if he keeps up this kind of form. He is doing his case no harm at all."

Claiming that the former Southampton and Celtic star has recovered from his long-term anterior cruciate ligament injury in 2020, he added:

"Maybe some people have taken Van Dijk for granted given how good he is, but I can assure you that ex-players such as myself don't do that. We know how much of an influence he has on the squad and the work he has to put in to maintain his high level. He struggled at times after his serious injury, but he is currently rolling back the years and playing like he's a 25-year-old. Long may it continue."

Van Dijk, who has netted once this campaign, will be in action against Bologna in a UEFA Champions League home match this Wednesday.

Arne Slot previews Liverpool's next contest

At a pre-game press conference, Liverpool head coach Arne Slot shared an insight into his team's mentality ahead of their Champions League contest against Serie A side Bologna. He said (h/t liverpoolfc.com):

"Staying humble, keeping our feet on the ground and knowing there is a lot of hard work and improvement still required is not just the right way for us, it is the only way. Hopefully tonight, we can take another step in the right direction."

The Reds have lost just once and won seven of their eight total games under Slot, netting 20 times and shipping just four goals along the way.

The Anfield side registered a 3-1 away victory at AC Milan in their first Champions League contest of the ongoing season on September 17.