Graeme Souness has claimed that new Manchester United signing Harry Maguire will have the same impact on their defence as Virgil van Dijk has had at Liverpool.
Maguire became the world’s most expensive defender last week when he joined from Leicester City for £80million.
The deal eclipsed Liverpool’s outlay for Van Dijk in 2018, prompting inevitable comparisons between the two.
Souness reckons the Englishman will soon be placed in the same bracket as his counterpart at Anfield.
“I would expect him to have the influence Van Dijk has had at Liverpool,” he said on Sky Sports.
“I think he’s sensational and very much the real deal. I can’t believe Man City didn’t break the bank for him.”
Maguire, to his credit, did put together an impressive debut performance in the 4-0 win against Chelsea, passing virtually every test he faced.
It remains to be seen whether he can maintain that form, but it’s worth stressing just how good he will have to be if he is to earn a mention in the same breath as Van Dijk.
He will have to lead the transformation of the Red Devil’s defence, turning it from a debilitating weakness into a significant strength.
Only then would the comparisons be merited. It’s fair to say Virgil’s status as the best in the division, and indeed in the world, is secure for the foreseeable future.