In a historic season etched into the annals of English football, Liverpool finally clinched the Premier League crown in the 2019/20 season. However, it wasn’t just the pandemic that made that year unforgettable; it was the exceptional contributions of one player that stood out above the rest—Virgil van Dijk.

After a three-month hiatus due to Covid-19, Liverpool celebrated their title triumph in empty stadiums, a surreal end to a dominant campaign led by manager Jurgen Klopp. Among the standout performers was Van Dijk, whose defensive prowess positioned him as potentially the best player in the world at that time.

Both football pundits Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville have weighed in on the pivotal role Van Dijk played in Liverpool's success. In a recent discussion on their show, Stick to Football, they reached a revealing consensus: Liverpool would not have secured the Premier League title if it weren’t for Virgil van Dijk.

This conversation was sparked by the unfortunate news that Manchester City will be without key midfielder Rodri for the remainder of the season after suffering a severe ACL injury. Such injuries often bring back memories of the 2020/21 season when Liverpool faced their own calamity: Van Dijk’s absence after a horrific early-season injury against Everton resulted in a stark decline for the team, plunging them from champions to finishing outside the title race.

Carragher passionately stated, "I would say Van Dijk. I just think he was so far ahead of everyone else," emphasizing the necessity of his presence on the pitch. Neville echoed Carragher’s sentiments, adding, "I think I would go with the goalkeeper or Van Dijk. The goalkeeper is massive; he makes so many big saves for you." Their remarks underscore the fundamentally transformative impact Van Dijk had on Liverpool’s defense and overall play.

Looking ahead, it’s not an overstatement to say Van Dijk will go down as a legend at Liverpool, with his signing being a cornerstone in their journey back to the pinnacle of English football. Since joining from Southampton, Van Dijk has seamlessly integrated into Liverpool’s system, establishing himself as a defensive stalwart, and remains regarded as one of the top defenders worldwide even after recovering from his ACL injury.

When examining Liverpool's ascension to their current status as a perennial force in the Premier League and European competitions, one cannot overlook the fact that they would not be where they are today without the iconic Dutch defender. In essence, the title win in 2020 was not just a trophy; it was a testament to the impact of Virgil van Dijk on the club and a symbol of the desire and resilience that characterize the Liverpool ethos.