Guardiola: 'Exceptional' Van Dijk well worth the money

Manchester City missed out on Virgil van Dijk to Liverpool, a player Pep Guardiola thinks was worth the reported £75million transfer fee.

Published : Jan 03, 2019 17:54 IST

Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk
Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk
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Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says Liverpool was right to spend a reported world-record £75million fee to sign Virgil van Dijk.

City was linked with the centre-back when he was at Southampton, but Liverpool got its man after a lengthy pursuit, making the Netherlands international the world's most expensive defender in January last year.

Guardiola moved on to sign Aymeric Laporte from Athletic Bilbao instead, but Van Dijk's dominant displays have helped Liverpool build a seven-point lead from the champions in the Premier League title race.

Thursday's clash at the Etihad Stadium could see City move within four points of top spot but, to do so, they will have to find a way past Van Dijk and fellow big-money buy Alisson, who joined from Roma in a deal that could rise to €72.5m.

"He's an exceptional player," Guardiola told reporters of Van Dijk. "When a player costs whatever it costs and it works, it is well worth it.

"When you pay less and it doesn't work, it is so expensive. If he can play every three days with no injuries and plays consistently, it is well worth it."

Liverpool's first title of the Premier League era is in its sights and Guardiola accepts City is close to make-or-break chances in its quest to retain the crown, particularly if it fail to beat the Reds.

"We know how important it is," he added.

"If we are not able to win, especially if we lose – 10 points, goal difference 11 – if they continue that run it will be so difficult.

"It's almost a final for us. For them, nothing changes."

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