After all, the No.26 has spent much of the last 12 months playing in close proximity to the Dutchman, whose spot on the left side of the Reds’ central defence means he and the left-back are required to have an acute understanding of each other’s games.
Van Dijk’s form since arriving at Anfield at the start of 2018 has been largely imperious, with the latest in a long line of impressive individual displays coming in Friday’s 2-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Liverpool emerged from a testing evening at Molineux with a victory that extended their lead at the top of the Premier League to four points thanks to Mohamed Salah’s first-half strike and Van Dijk’s second goal for the club.