Liverpool have been handed a major boost ahead of the new season, with Virgil Van Dijk set to return to action this week.
The Netherlands international has been sidelined for the last nine months with a serious knee injury he picked up against Everton at the start of last season.
Van Dijk is undoubtedly the best defender in the Premier League, and Liverpool missed him massively last season.
The Reds had to use academy prospects like Nat Phillips and Rhys Williams to deputize in his absence and their defensive form suffered as a consequence of that.
Liverpool failed miserably in the title challenge without the charismatic Dutchman last year, and they will be hoping that he can propel them to greater heights this year.
Very few signings over the last few decades have had the impact that Van Dijk had at Liverpool.
The centre-back transformed Liverpool from a top-four side to the Premier League champions and the Champions League winners within a short span of time.
His contribution to Liverpool’s resurgence is second to none, and he is a big part of their future going forward.
There have been rumours of a potential new deal for the Dutchman the summer, and it will be interesting to see if the Reds can tie him down to a long term contract.
Meanwhile, Van Dijk is not the only defender returning to action this week, and Joe Gomez is set to end his long term absence as well.
Gomez is another highly talented defender Liverpool have on their books, and his return could not have been better timed.
Both players will now be hoping to get their fitness levels up in the pre-season and hit the ground running next year.
