Dutchman faces hard task to justify Klopp’s gamble

VIRGIL van Dijk’s arrival at Liverpool ends the most expensive, turbulent and protracted transfer pursuit in Anfield history.

At an eye-watering £75-million (R1.2-billion), the Dutchman must now prove himself worth the hassle.

He is Liverpool’s record signing by almost £40-million (R666-million), but the responsibility extends beyond validating the price tag.

The day Van Dijk lines up in a Liverpool jersey, many will expect the defensive carelessness that has turned too many comfortable leads into infuriating draws will cease.

Given his price, he will be expected to demonstrate the solidity of Ron Yeats, elegance of Alan Hansen and courage of Jamie Carragher.

It is a nigh impossible task for one player to cure Anfield ills that have persisted for several years – they plagued Brendan Rodgers before Jurgen Klopp – yet the 26-year-old not only finds himself branded the best man for the job, but the only option worth considering by the German manager.

Klopp would not entertain the idea of looking beyond Van Dijk last season, despite it being clear Southampton would not sell before the August deadline.

That demonstration of faith caused short-term pain. Liverpool’s inability to hold on to leads has cost them at least 10 points this season.

Longer-term, Klopp’s refusal to bid for alternatives sent a message to the player of how much he would be valued opting for Anfield. Liverpool were never linked with another central defender last season or in the weeks before this transfer window.

Van Dijk has been in no doubt how much Klopp wants him.

To finally secure the player is a triumph and relief for Klopp.

Manchester City wanted Van Dijk but eased away once it became evident he preferred Anfield.

City tried again in recent weeks, but once more Merseyside proved more attractive.

The motives for turning down City will be debated. It certainly cannot be financial, nor can he see a more obvious route to silverware at Anfield.

Competition for starting positions at the heart of Liverpool’s defence is no barrier to Van Dijk immediately establishing himself should he find form.

Rather more usefully, the more recent reference points set a lower bar than those legendary Liverpool centre-halves, the Kop craving a forceful presence at the back since Carragher’s retirement three years ago.

There is a caveat amid Liverpool celebrating a transfer coup.

The Van Dijk leaving Southampton now contrasts alarmingly with the player first coveted by the leading Premier League clubs. He has dipped since his return from injury and exile.

Klopp will give the former Celtic defender time to adjust, but the stakes will be high from day one.

Van Dijk could make his debut in the Merseyside derby in the FA Cup.