Liverpool news: Sadio Mane makes transfer admission over Virgil van Dijk

Liverpool signed Van Dijk from Southampton in January for £75million to make the Dutch star the most expensive defender in world football.

But it appears to have been money well spent with Van Dijk helping the Reds to the top of the Premier League.

Jurgen Klopp’s side go into Christmas four points clear at the summit and having conceded just seven times in the Premier League.

Van Dijk made his first notable contribution at the other end of the pitch in Friday’s win over Wolves scoring his first league goal for Liverpool.

It was a 2-0 win which ensured the Anfield outfit remain unbeaten for the season as they aim to win the Premier League for the first time.

And Mane has praised the contribution that Van Dijk has given the club.

“It’s been a big, big impact. We’ve all seen it,” Mane said.

“Of course at the time he signed people were thinking that the club had over-paid for Virgil.

“But since then everyone has forgotten about the fee because his form has been so good.

“He’s done such a great job for us back there. I am so happy to have him as a team-mate.

“He’s one of the leaders. You can see it in every single game.

“He has proved he’s one of the best defenders in the world.”

Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish believes Van Dijk is close to being Liverpool’s greatest ever central defender.

“Just behind Carra [Jamie Carragher],” Dalglish responded when asked on Sky Sports where Van Dijk ranks.

“He [Carragher] was fantastic at Liverpool during his time.

“Virgil came in at a very important time, stamped his authority on it and is a great presence.

“He has really produced the goods since he came in in January.

“It might have been a lot of money but they got the £140m from Coutinho and they’ve spent it on Virgil and the goalkeeper [Alisson], it’s two great signings.

“This is Virgil’s first full season, it’s the goalkeeper’s first full season. When you sign players it’s great to see them be successful.”