Liverpool have been in a very privileged position over the past few years.
Indeed, the Reds may have had their ups and downs, but, more often than not, they’ve been able to rely on the fact that they have potentially the best centre-back in the world marshalling their backline.
Virgil van Dijk has been a stalwart for Liverpool, and, according to some, Van Dijk is the best defender in the world.
However, all good things have to come to an end.
Van Dijk’s contract is up this summer, and while Liverpool expect him to re-sign, at the age of 33 now, he may not have a ton of time left at the top level.
Liverpool need to start thinking about long-term Van Dijk replacements, and the Reds have been linked with Dean Huijsen recently.
According to Mark Douglas, speaking on The Redmen TV, Huijsen is an incredibly highly-rated prospect, and people close to the defender believe he could become the best centre-back in the world in the coming years.
Dean Huijsen tipped to become the best in the world
Douglas shared what he’s heard about Huijsen’s potential from people close to the defender.
According to the journalist, people close to the £50m man believe he has what it takes to become a top player.
“But he is going to be, I think, top, top class. You know, people are already saying, people around him, people who have watched him play think he’s going to be one of, if not the best centre-back in the world in the coming years. He’s 19 years of age.
I mean, technically, he’s absolutely already there. Physically, obviously, a year in the Premier League has really kind of given him that kind of, you know, I don’t think any scouts have any worries about his physical presence now. They sort of feel that I think he can play in that league.
Dean Huijsen compared to Virgil van Dijk aged 19
Of course, Huijsen has a long way to go before he can be considered the best centre-back in the world, but, if you compare his development to Virgil van Dijk’s, he’s ahead of schedule.
Indeed, compare where these two players were at the age of 19, and it’s a chalk and cheese situation.
| Virgil van Dijk aged 19 | Dean Huijsen | |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Senior games | 42 |
| 0 | International caps | 1 |
| FC Groningen | Clubs played for | Bournemouth, Roma, Juventus |
| Celtic | Next transfer move* | Real Madrid/Liverpool |
| £3m | Next transfer fee* | £50m |
Van Dijk wasn’t even an established player at the age of 19, while Huijsen is already shining in the Premier League and has already played for Juventus and Bournemouth.
Of course, development isn’t linear, and there’s no saying that Huijsen will improve in years to come in the same way Van Dijk has, but it’s fair to say that he’s had a great start to his career and he may only kick on from here.
