Jamie Carragher hails Liverpool captain Virgil Van Dijk a club “Legend” after Champions League heroics
Liverpool supporters have another reason to celebrate Virgil van Dijk, as the captain continues to cement his legacy at Anfield.
The towering Dutchman has already been a driving force behind Liverpool’s perfect start in both the Premier League and Champions League this season, but former Reds defender Jamie Carragher believes Van Dijk belongs in an even rarer category: a true legend of the club.
Carragher, speaking on CBS Sports after Liverpool’s dramatic 3-2 win over Atletico Madrid on Wednesday, highlighted Van Dijk’s influence both on and off the pitch.
“I don’t like describing Van Dijk as a centre back, as in like, oh, he’s the best centre back or it’s him or it’s him,” Carragher said. “At Liverpool, a lot of people get called legends because they’ve won the league or they’ve won a Champions League…”
He continued: “But if you want to differentiate between the, I’d call them giants of the club, and I’m talking like Stevie [Gerrard], Kenny Dalglish, Souness, Alan Hansen, John Barnes, Mo Salah… Van Dijk is there without a doubt.”
"At Liverpool, a lot of people get called legends… He is right in the middle of that. He will go down as one of the greatest players to ever play for Liverpool."@Carra23 names Virgil van Dijk a Liverpool legend ?? pic.twitter.com/Hph9OV2okq
— CBS Sports Golazo ?? (@CBSSportsGolazo) September 17, 2025
Carragher’s words place Van Dijk among the very best to ever wear the Liverpool shirt, praising not only his defensive mastery but also his leadership and impact on the modern era at Anfield.
The Dutchman influence goes far beyond clean sheets and aerial dominance. His crucial 92nd-minute winner against Atletico Madrid showcased his knack for rising to the occasion in high-pressure moments. That goal ultimately secured Liverpool’s 3-2 victory, continuing a season-long trend of late, dramatic wins that have become a hallmark under Arne Slot.
Carragher added context to Van Dijk’s leadership, noting how the Dutchman sets the tone for the team
“His performances allow new signings like Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak to flourish, while seasoned campaigners such as Mo Salah benefit from the stability he provides. He speaks as captain too, not just to the players but to the supporters as well.”
Liverpool’s 3-2 win over Atletico was a rollercoaster. Despite racing to a 2-0 lead inside 35 minutes, Diego Simeone’s side fought back to level the score. Marcos Llorente twice threatened to derail Liverpool’s perfect record with a brace, but Van Dijk’s towering presence in the box proved decisive.
“One thing that has been consistent about Liverpool this season is the fact that they’ve left it until the last minute to get their wins,”
While some might label it luck, Van Dijk’s ability to deliver under pressure shows that leadership, composure, and quality remain at the heart of Liverpool’s success.
Carragher’s glowing assessment is another reminder that Virgil van Dijk is not just a world-class centre back. At Liverpool, he is a giant, a leader, and a player whose legacy will be remembered alongside the club’s all-time greats.
