Liverpool News: Virgil van Dijk presented as the "ultimate central defender" by Reds legend Sami Hyypia, who has already taken on this role

Virgil van Dijk is the "ultimate central defender," said Liverpool legend Sami Hyypia, with the Reds getting an immediate return on their record investment of £ 75 million ($ 97 million).

Jurgen Klopp has decided to make the Dutch international the most expensive defender of world football during the transfer window of January 2018.

It was acquired to fill the gaps of a record of four fleeing to Anfield.

Van Dijk has snuck into the fold and is considered to have greatly contributed to the progress made in Merseyside over the last 12 months.

Liverpool is now in contention for the Premier League title and continues its momentum in the Champions League, a defensive force having been found.

Brazilian international goalkeeper Alisson has also had a major impact since arriving in England, but Hyypia thinks it's a half-center that is really the main man.

The former star of the Reds told PA Sport: "I saw him right away when he came, he would be a very important part of the team.

"From the beginning, he organized the defense, he was the leader at the back and, over time, he became even more important.

"It gives players confidence and encourages many other players to play better.

"It is very difficult to find a weakness. He is a central defender and it would be a pleasure to play alongside him, he is so good.

"He's so calm on the ball, he never seems to be in a hurry, and he trusts his skills.

"It was the right decision [to sign him] because it's so important to the team, no matter how much it cost. "

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Van Dijk, who has already pbaded 50 appearances for Liverpool, will not participate in the next exit of the Reds.

He is about to serve a European ban when Klopp team host Bayern Munich Tuesday in the first leg of a match between the 16 heavyweights of the Champions League.

The Dutch will be available to face Manchester United and other Premier League matches against Watford, Everton and Burnley before a return date for Bayern.