John Arne Riise Compares Virgil Van Dijk To Jamie Carragher And Sami Hyypia

Former Liverpool star John Arne Riise believes Virgil van Dijk is exhibiting the leadership qualities reminiscent to the time when Jamie Carragher and Sami Hyypia played together at the club. The Norwegian international went on to win the 2005 Champions League alongside Carragher and Hyypia, who were the undisputed regulars at the heart of the defence.

Speaking on Liverpool’s official website, Riise was full of praise for Carragher and Hyypia, and admitted that the pair were influential to how he performed on the pitch. The 37-year-old went further to praise the impact of winger signing Van Dijk, and feels the Dutchman has the qualities which makes him a leader at the back.

He said: “Having Sami Hyypia and Jamie Carragher helped me a lot, as I could go forward knowing that they had my back. They were able to see the whole pitch in front of them and if I wasn’t in the correct position - which could happen a lot - they would shout instructions and make me aware. Every team should have a leader at the back. Carra and Hyypia were brilliant for that – and I can see Van Dijk doing the same now. I really like what he’s doing.”

Despite Riise’s comments, Van Dijk has endured a topsy-turvy ride during the initial months of his Reds career, having been at fault for a couple of defensive mistakes which have cost the club in terms of points. Liverpool are currently in a strong position to finish in the top four with a seven-point advantage over fifth-placed Chelsea with a game in hand, and their game against the Blues next month could ultimately decide whether they can finish in the Champions League places. Talking of Champions League, Liverpool are still alive in this season’s competition with a key quarter-final tie against Manchester City to come in April.