Phil Thompson’s legacy at Liverpool is already etched in history. Over 13 years at Anfield, the former England centre-back collected an astonishing haul of silverware: seven First Division titles, three European Cups, three League Cups, two UEFA Cups, an FA Cup, and a Super Cup. Across 477 appearances, he established himself as a rock in the Reds defence.
Yet even someone of Thompson’s calibre is quick to point out that there is only one player in modern Liverpool history who matches the presence, ability, and reading of the game of current captain Virgil van Dijk.
Speaking on the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast, Thompson, who played alongside Alan Hansen between 1977 and 1984, didn’t hesitate to make the comparison.
“Virgil [van Dijk] has been quite something, and the only one I could compare him with would be Alan Hansen because the two of them were quite similar.
“They read the game so well, they look so comfortable at times, and very often, you don’t see them having to make sliding tackles. When you’re a good player, you’re always in a position before that, and big Al was like that, and Virgil cruises through games, even the biggest of games, he’s like that.”
Van Dijk’s influence at Anfield has been nothing short of transformational. Signed by Jurgen Klopp in a bid to shore up a defence that had been fragile in previous seasons, he has since become the central figure around which Liverpool’s successes are built. Thompson describes the Dutchman as “a gem of a player” whose presence allows the Reds to flourish under Klopp and, now, Arne Slot.
“He is a gem of a player, and our great success under Jurgen and hopefully with Arne Slot is based on playing in and around him. That is a big thing, his contract situation, but he’s handled it very well.”
Contract discussions had occasionally stirred speculation about van Dijk’s future, but in April he committed his long-term future to Liverpool, signing an extension that will keep him at Anfield until 2027. By that point, he will still be just shy of 36, yet his composure, intelligence, and reading of the game suggest he can remain a pivotal figure for the Reds for years to come.
“Hopefully, things do go in the right direction for us as Liverpool fans,” Thompson added. “He has been one of the great centre-backs in the Premier League era.”
Despite his status as one of the best defenders in the world, van Dijk was placed 28th in this year’s Ballon d’Or rankings a position that hardly reflects his impact on Liverpool’s fortunes. Those at Anfield, however, know the true value of the Dutchman. From marshalling the defence to guiding younger players, his influence stretches far beyond the stat sheet.
Van Dijk’s leadership has been particularly crucial under Arne Slot, who has maintained the structure and intensity of Klopp’s title-winning sides while integrating new signings and young players. Thompson believes the captain’s presence allows Liverpool to compete at the highest level, season after season.
“Even when you look at the biggest games, he’s like cruising through them,” Thompson said. “He’s a gem, and he’s still got a lot to give to Liverpool.”
The comparison to Alan Hansen is not made lightly. Hansen, renowned for his elegance on the ball, intelligence in possession, and uncanny ability to anticipate danger, was the benchmark for centre-backs during Thompson’s era. That van Dijk mirrors these qualities reading the game, intercepting passes before danger arises, and rarely needing to resort to last-ditch tackles cements his place among Liverpool’s all-time greats.
