'He's a Rolls-Royce': Paul Merson says Liverpool have a top talent who makes whoever plays alongside him a 'better player'
19/02/2025 16:15
Liverpool are enjoying a fruitful season in which they remain firmly in contention for three trophies.
Liverpool sit top of the Premier League table, are in the last 16 of the Champions League, and are in the League Cup final.
The Reds boast a star-studded squad with a multitude of world-class players who are all in sync with one another.
Paul Merson has now sung the praises of one Liverpool player who makes whoever plays next to him a “better player”.
Paul Merson hails Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk
Merson has spoken about how important Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah have been for Liverpool, saying both players “have to stay fit” for the run-in.
The pundit described Van Dijk as a “Rolls-Royce” whose presence on the pitch elevates his fellow defenders to a higher level.
Merson then summed Salah up by saying there is nobody like him in world football, and reiterated the need for both to stay fit.
“Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah have been so key for Liverpool,” he wrote on Sky Sports.
“They have to stay fit. They have played virtually every minute so far this season.
“Van Dijk, he’s a Rolls-Royce player. Whoever plays next to him, he makes them a better player. He’s so crucial to that defence.
“Then there’s Salah. Salah is Salah. There is no-one like Salah.
“They are both a must to keep playing week in, week out for Liverpool.”
Whether Van Dijk will be at Liverpool next season
Van Dijk, Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold will become free agents in the summer as things stand.
As the Reds trio's future remains uncertain, plans are being made by other clubs to prise them away from Anfield.
| Appearances | Goals | Assists | Yellow cards | Red cards | Minutes | Trophies won |
| 304 | 26 | 13 | 24 | 1 | 26.995′ | 1 Champions League, 1 Premier League, 1 FA Cup, 2 League Cups, 1 Community Shield, 1 UEFA Supercup, 1 FIFA Club World Cup |
For instance, the Saudi Pro League wants to snap Salah up by making him the highest-paid player in the world.
Meanwhile, Alexander-Arnold is ready to sign for Real Madrid and communicate his decision to Liverpool.
However, Van Dijk is still negotiating fresh terms with Liverpool and, as such, he’s the likeliest of the trio to remain at Anfield next season.
