Liverpool manager Arne Slot makes superb claim about Celtic hero

Arne Slot has made a better start to life as Liverpool manager than most would have anticipated. There were fears that he would have a tough time replacing the legendary Jurgen Klopp but he has taken to the Anfield hot seat like a duck to water. And recently, he made a superb claim about a Celtic hero.

Celtic have been home to some iconic players over the years. But not many have achieved more in the game since leaving Parkhead than Virgil van Dijk.

When Van Dijk had arrived at Celtic, from FC Groningen, he was the farthest thing from a household name. Today, he is considered one of the best centre-backs in the history of the game.

In a video posted on UEFA's official website, Slot selected his dream XI of UEFA Champions League winners. Virgil van Dijk was included in that team, as were his Liverpool teammates Alisson Becker, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah. The Dutch manager said regarding the centre-back:

"Virgil needs to be there. He has had a lot of impact on this club. I think when he and Alisson came in, it was the last step the team needed to make.

“Impressive centre-back, really good in the air. So, he has all the attributes a centre-back should have. So, he’s for sure in it."

Liverpool manager Arne Slot makes superb claim about Celtic hero

Slot went on to name a pretty strong team with other inclusions like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modric and Liverpool legend, Steven Gerrard. But at the same time, there were some omissions as well that will raise some eyebrows. The likes of Zinedine Zidane, Andres Iniesta, Xavi and plenty of others were left out.

But at the end of the day, it is Slot's dream XI. If he was not the Liverpool manager, perhaps it would have looked very different.

It is amazing to see that Van Dijk has achieved enough in the game to make these type of lists. Not many would have thought he could reach those heights, even when he was cruising it up in Scotland with Celtic. He also came close to winning the Ballon d'Or, only losing to Messi.