Van Dijk sends chilling message to Klopp: 'This player is my replacement'

Virgil van Dijk has gained undisputed status over the years, both at Liverpool and with his national team. His forcefulness, reliability and ability to be there when he is needed have made him one of the best centre-backs on the planet. His physical strength and the calmness he transmits have been the hallmark of his game all this time.

A serenity that he has left aside when it comes to defining a young player who is coming on strong behind him and who seems to be called to be his successor: Jürrien Timber. At 21 years of age, the Ajax defender is a permanent fixture in his team's line-up and in Louis van Gaal's Netherlands call-ups.

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Everything points to him being at the World Cup in Qatar and, moreover, he has a good chance of being a starter at the tournament.  Van Dijk, amazed at his level despite his youth, was full of praise at a press conference: "I wasn't that good at his age. He's only 21... I can only praise him. His potential is very high, I'm sure of it.

Timber, who can play both centre-back and right-back thanks to his versatility, has started every single game for Ajax this season. He has a market value of around 37 million euros according to Olocip and has a contract until 2025 with the Eredivisie champions.

Jürrien Timber is Van Dijk's successor

He possesses enormous qualities and several European giants have already made enquiries. This summer, for example, he was rumoured to be on his way to Manchester United. Ajax, a club used to making big sales (they got 100 million for Antony in this market), are rubbing their hands together with a defender to keep an eye on in the future.