That’s the view of former Liverpool star Stephen Warnock.
Liverpool snapped up the Dutchman in January, making him the world’s most expensive defender in a £75m deal with Southampton.
Van Dijk helped guide the Reds to the Champions League final in his first few months at the club as they eventually suffered defeat to Real Madrid.
In the league, the Reds finished fourth – a staggering 25 points behind champions Manchester City.
However, this season Liverpool have been the early pace setters and lead Pep Guardiola‘s side at the top of the table during the Christmas period.
When you're a centre-half and you play next to Virgil van Dijk pic.twitter.com/9Cj8YfvCbG
— Paddy Berger (@TotallyLFC1892) December 21, 2018
And Warnock believes Van Dijk’s leadership in the heart of Klopp‘s defence is one of the key reasons Liverpool can win the league this term having scored in their 2-0 win over Wolves last time out.
“They know how important this is. They’ve got the mental strength now to go out and put the performances in like they have against Wolves,” Warnock told BBC Radio 5 Live.
They believe in what they’re doing and you can see what it means to everyone.
“Jurgen Klopp has been saluting the Liverpool fans and he’s running across to Virgil van Dijk. What a signing he’s been for him.
“They’re so well set up in their organisation of how to win the ball back but when they win it back they’re also in areas where they are ready and willing to break and they’re so dangerous at it.
“There’s just been a complete difference in Liverpool this year. I’m trying to put my finger on the real reason and you just can’t look past Van Dijk.
“His organisation to his midfielders and then it’s infectious because you’ve got Jordan Henderson in there and he’s shoving players left, right and centre and organising.
“To have that knock on effect throughout the team it’s been brilliant.”
Liverpool are next in action on Boxing Day when they host Newcastle.
The clash at Anfield kicks off at 3pm.