The Most Expensive World Footballer XI Of All Time
9. Centre Back: Virgil Van Dijk - £75 Million
Ever since Jurgen Klopp took over at Liverpool, the team's biggest weakness was undoubtedly the defence. Dejan Lovren and Joel Matip were far from ideal centre backs, and Simon Mignolet and Loris Karius were the weakest goalkeeping options among teams challenging for the top four.
Finally, in the 2018 January transfer window, the Reds splashed out £75 million on Virgil van Dijk. Though people laughed at the money spent on the former Southampton and Celtic centre back, Klopp saw the Dutchman as the rock to steady the Reds defence.
Van Dijk made an immediate impact, scoring the winner in his debut against Everton in a fourth round FA cup tie. 18 months later, Liverpool have won the Champions League, finished with the third highest points total in Premier League history, and will look to challenge for both titles again this season. This would not have been possible without the Dutchman's presence.
No matter who has paired Van Dijk in the red of Liverpool, they have put in better performances than without him. If youngster Joe Gomez can stay fit for the coming season, next to Virgil van Dijk, the Liverpool faithful will have one of the best centre pairings in the entire league to cheer on.