THERE

was one moment during Liverpool’s victory over Newcastle that captured the impact Virgil van Dijk has had on Jurgen Klopp’s team. With Xherdan Shaqiri and Trent Alexander-Arnold standing over a free-kick, Van Dijk urged the Swiss midfielder to take it. The result? Shaqiri crossed for Divock Origi to head in the winner that keeps Liverpool’s title bid alive. Some argued that it would take more than one player to sort out Liverpool’s defence. Not only has Van Dijk done that but he has completely transformed this team. He is a leader, an organiser and a calming presence rolled into one. I cannot think of another player who has had a greater impact on a Premier League team.