Liverpool's stats with and without him highlight defender's importance

It has now been over four years since Virgil van Dijk became a Red and it's safe to say that he has been a success here.

Not only has the centre-back given us some epic memories over the years, but it's also now very visible how much the club suffers in his absence.

Reporter Paul Joyce has laid out the stats for all to see - here's how Liverpool perform with Van Dijk on the field as opposed to when he's absent.

With Van Dijk

Games: 149

Wins: 106

Losses: 20

Draws: 23

Goals scored: 342

Goals conceded: 139

Clean sheets: 65

Without Van Dijk

Games: 65

Wins: 37

Losses: 14

Draws: 14

Goals scored: 116

Goals conceded: 68

Clean sheets: 26

These numbers just prove further what Liverpool fans are already aware of - the way Van Dijk has transformed the defence and his impact on the team is unbelievable.

There is no doubt that when fit, he is the best centre-back in the world.

Source: Paul Joyce