With the glut of Anfield injuries, especially in defence, Virgil van Dijk has become a father figure for the likes of Caoimhin Kelleher, Jarell Quansah, Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez, who have an average age of 23.

Virgil van Dijk reminds Kop legend John Barnes of former Anfield team-mate Alan Hansen in terms of the calmness he brings to the Liverpool defence.

That shone out like a beacon as the Dutchman left Manchester City danger-man Erling Haaland becalmed in last Sunday’s 1-1 draw between the two Premier League title contenders.

On Sunday, it’s Manchester United at Old Trafford which will consume Jurgen Klopp ’s committed skipper with Barnes maintaining: “His calming influence, especially in a defence flung together through injuries – he’s been immense.

It’s in many ways a throwback to some of Alan Hansen’s games.

“He never looked ruffled and that’s the case with Virgil van Dijk. Sami Hyypia was also a big player when you really needed someone to stand up and be counted but Virgil in that respect takes some beating.”

With the glut of Anfield injuries, especially in defence, Van Dijk has become a father figure for the likes of Caoimhin Kelleher, Jarell Quansah, Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez, who have an average age of 23.

John Aldridge who will be joining forces with Barnes and Ian Rush on Saturday to manage the Liverpool Legends against Ajax Legends at Anfield added: “Last Sunday he was playing with four others in a back five who wouldn’t have been starting if everyone had been fit.

“He more than stood up to the task and made certain that Erling Haaland never got a sniff at goal. Virgil has in many ways reinvented himself this season. He looks to be back to his brilliant best.”

Van Dijk, who was already captaining Holland, took over the Liverpool captaincy from Jordan Henderson in the summer when the England midfielder departed for the Middle East.

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Van Dijk in action with Man City’s Erling Haaland last weekend (
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It came after an underwhelming season in which Van Dijk and his Liverpool team-mates watched Manchester City win the treble of Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup.

Barnes believes the 32-year-old central defender is back to his best and is hoping he will extend his stay on Merseyside with Van Dijk’s current contract running out at the end of next season.

“It’s a no brainer to offer him a new contract,” Barnes added. “This season he seems to be revitalised and is thriving with the extra responsibility.”

The player himself, in true Hansen style, simply wonders what the fuss is all about. Sifting through the praise following last week’s defensive masterclass against Pep Guardiola’s side he replied: “Nothing has changed from the day I walked into the club. I believe I have taken responsibility from the beginning.

“Maybe I spoke with Jarell more than usual before the game because he had never played such a high stake pressure game where everyone is watching. During the game I’m still doing what I do. So I try to calm him down/

“But it’s the same with Bradley, you have to give them the freedom to play because they have qualities. They have been showing them all season. They have dealt with all the challenges.”

Another one lies in wait on Sunday afternoon at Old Trafford.