Virgil van Dijk’s arrival at Liverpool in January 2018 remains a defining moment of the club’s modern era.

Before the Dutchman’s signing, the team was characterised by an exciting but ultimately fragile style of play that often faltered under defensive pressure. His leadership stabilised a chaotic backline and provided the platform for every major trophy that followed in the next eight years.

Van Dijk’s journey to the top was a gradual ascent that began in the Eredivisie with Groningen. A move to Celtic in 2013 followed, where he dominated the Scottish Premiership, winning two league titles and proving he was a level above the domestic competition.

Seeking a greater challenge, he joined Southampton in 2015, where he quickly established himself as one of the most complete centre-backs in the Premier League. Van Dijk’s performances on the South Coast, particularly his ability to read the game and initiate attacks from deep, made him the most sought-after defender in Europe.

The transfer was a saga of its own, involving a public apology from...