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‘Van Dijk still one of the best despite shaky showing’ – Barnes not expecting Liverpool to land another centre-half

Virgil van Dijk is “still one of the best centre-backs in the world” and one “shaky performance” against Leeds is not about to tarnish that reputation or force Liverpool to seek out further defensive reinforcements, says John Barnes.

A commanding Netherlands international put in an unconvincing display on the opening weekend of the 2020-21 Premier League season.

Uncharacteristic errors allowed Leeds to remain in the game against the defending champions, with only the heroics of hat-trick star Mohamed Salah edging Jurgen Klopp’s side to a 4-3 win.

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Van Dijk faced accusations of becoming arrogant in the wake of an uninspiring showing, with the Dutchman having been a model of consistency throughout his time at Anfield.