Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum believes the signing of compatriot Virgil van Dijk last January has galvanised the squad.

The £75m recruit from Southampton has tightened up the defence significantly since his arrival, with the Reds now having the joint best defensive record in the league.

Wijnaldum was effusive about his Dutch teammate in a recent interview with the club’s official website:

“I think Virgil has made a difference in the last line because he is a good defender, a big defender. He is an extra man who can defend set-pieces as well.”

“He is a leader in the last line who not only helps himself with his quality but also the players next to him and so he really helps the team… It is good teamwork that makes us do things so well, but of course, he has made a real difference since he came.”

Both Van Dijk and Wijnaldum are currently away with the Netherlands, having faced France on Friday evening, with another huge game against Germany tomorrow night.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp will be hoping that the pair come through the international break unscathed ahead of a difficult away trip to Watford next Saturday.

The Reds have so far conceded just four goals on the road in six games. They were very solid in games at Tottenham and Chelsea, although the side did look more vulnerable against Arsenal the last time they were away from Anfield in the league.