Liverpool captain, Jordan Henderson has come out to say that Virgil van Dijk’s injury has radiated positivity at the club.
He recently revealed that the Holland international has been inspiring with his teammates since his injury and he is not feeling sorry for himself.
According to him, even if VVD is definitely the best defender in the world and losing him will surely leave a hole on matchdays and in the training sessions, the club will look ahead without feeling weak.
He added that VVD’s replacements do not have to play like him once picked, they simply have to give everything for the club to win matches and remain solid at the back.
His words, “He’s the best defender in the world. Of course he is,”
“I think I’d go further and say he’s in the running for the best player in the world, regardless of position.
“But it’s his presence and personality that will leave a hole on matchdays and in the training sessions. As important as the fans think he is, to us as team-mates it’s even more so.
“It was typical of Virgil that after digesting the news, one of the first messages he sent to us – all of us – was upbeat and inspirational. The exact content will of course remain private, but there wasn’t one word in there feeling sorry for himself. It was all about looking ahead and making sure he comes back better and stronger.
“Likewise, when he came to Melwood on Tuesday he just radiated positivity. That’s the big man. And it’s on us to take his lead and only think about the positive impact we can all have from this moment on.”
“I look at the players we have who can play that position and I wouldn’t swap them for anyone else. Joe Gomez, Joel Matip and Fabinho are international-quality players who have produced for us as a team time and time again.
“Nat Phillips is nearly back to full fitness and has the making to be a very good centre-half. Rhys Williams has impressed me so much with his attitude and his mentality. Billy Koumetio and Sepp van den Berg likewise. All learning in the best environment there is.
“Are any of them Virgil van Dijk? No… but they don’t need to be. They just need to be themselves and give everything they have for this club, be it in training or when called upon in games. And the rest of us have to be there to help.”
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