Following on from Liverpool’s 2-2 draw at Goodison Park last night, the final Merseyside Derby at the iconic stadium we caught up with former Liverpool midfielder Jan Mølby to discuss the impact of Virgil van Dijk’s arrival, comparisons with Alan Hansen and the idea of Anthony Gordon making a long discussed move to Anfield.

Virgil van Dijk Transformed Liverpool When He Joined

Not many would have expected a centre back from Southampton would have has such a monumental impact on the trajectory of a team. A team that has gone on to win the Premier League, push 3 times consecutive Premier League winners Manchester City, winners of the Champions League who arguably find themselves as one of the best teams in the world, if not the best.

van Dijk joined Liverpool in a £75m deal and has since found himself in discussions with being not just the best Liverpool defender ever but the best Premier League defender ever. Molby, who played alongside another Liverpool great in Alan Hansen argues Hansen would have been the perfect defender in this era but argues the addition of van Dijk transformed Liverpool into being one of the best teams in the world.

“How do we decide these things? Is it trophies? If so then obviously it’s Alan Hansen and he’s a long way ahead of Virgil van Dijk. Hansen would be the perfect defender for today's game, in a high defensive line because he was quick and good at reading the game.”

“But I think that Virgil van Dijk transformed that Liverpool team. Once he became the leader of the back four he transformed Liverpool. Virgil is a one off and a colossus. Virgil makes the defenders he plays alongside look better so in the eyes of Liverpool fans he’ll be a big icon.”

Anthony Gordon Would Be Coming Home By Joining Liverpool

Whilst a lot of the recent talk has been focused on Liverpool’s out of contract trio in van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah, the future of Luis Diaz has quietly been another huge talking point. The Columbian International has struggled to replicate the electric form he showed when he first joined the club and Liverpool have been linked with a Merseyside born left sided attacker over the last few transfer windows in Anthony Gordon. Molby describes Gordon as a terrific player and says Gordon joining Liverpool would be like bringing him home. A statement that might not go down well with Evertonians.

“The Luis Diaz thing is a bit strange. Is he settled or is he unsettled? We’ve heard quotes from his family and he was looking at Barcelona at one stage. I do think the majority of the players will want to stay at Anfield because you know what you’ve got at the club.”

“Anthony Gordon is a terrific player and look at the improvement in his game. At Everton he was good but inconsistent. He went level up at Newcastle and has done really well.”

“With his pace and work rate plus consistency would be great. It’d be like bringing him home. He’s from the city of Liverpool so it’d be one hell of a deal.”

Should Newcastle sell Gordon? Read what legend Chris Waddles thinks along with Newcastle's other transfer targets.