Virgil van Dijk plays like a man who knows he’s elite
Liverpool star Virgil Van Dijk is the best defender in the world.
At 6’4”, and 225lb (102kg or just a shade over 16 stone), he is a striking presence and a formidable unmovable rock at the heart of Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool defense.
Virgil van Dijk commands the defense like no one we’ve seen in over a generation, and he does this with the quiet confidence of a man who knows his supremacy is unrivaled. The Dutchman takes on all challengers with steady control, intelligence, superior positioning and exemplary footwork on the ground or in the air.
He is a master with the ball at his feet, fearlessly bringing the ball forward when required to connect with the midfield full-backs and wingers. His long range pinpoint passing is also unrivaled in a defender, and is the envy of many.
Indeed, van Dijk seems to be out for a stroll in the park at times. He never gets flustered, like a bloke on a sunny Sunday afternoon walking home from the matinee at the cinema.
But make no mistake, the former Southampton man has the heart of a champion and is a cagey lion patrolling his territory with supreme command.
Van Dijk has played 90 matches since his arrival at Liverpool in January 2018 and has scored nine goals. His aerial prowess and skill are highlighted in set pieces and corners. An agile and gifted athlete, the Dutch international often draws two, sometimes three markers, on corners and free kicks.
From a young age, van Dijk has mastered the art of defense. I recall a story told about him playing in the narrow streets and alleyways in his hometown, Breda, in the Netherlands. As the story goes, van Dijk would challenge his playmates to try and dribble past in him. None did.
Liverpool transfer news. Liverpool must avoid decrepit Luis Suarez like the plague. light
Even then, he played with a fire in the belly. This is where and how he learned to ply his patented defensive skill.
There are very forwards or winger in the Premier League who are able get past him on the dribble. Opposition fans flock to social media when they do – they celebrate as if their side has just scored a goal.
The season before last, during his FIFA POTY runner-up season, van Dijk was damned near perfection defensively.
Steve Douglas of The Globe and Mail described van Dijk with the following words:
"“Powerful in the air, measured with the ball at his feet, quick, and with superb positional sense, van Dijk has it all.”"
It’s transfer news season and we’ve got you covered. Follow this link to read the latest transfer news and rumours.
Well respected by teammates and peers across the globe, the 29-year-old commands respect from across the football landscape and has drawn praise from legends such as Lionel Messi.
Virgil van Dijk captains his Netherlands national side and he is a sub-captain with James Milner for Liverpool. His leadership and command of his defensive shift is clear, where he is often communicating instruction about positioning to Joe Gomez, Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
He has matured like fine wine. Van Dijk become a father young, and this thrust the mantle of responsibility on him, like his manager Jurgen Klopp, who had similar experience with fatherhood. This is part of the connection that makes van Dijk and Klopp’s relationship so special.
At 29, van Dijk is at the pinnacle of his profession. Since his arrival, he has been the defensive catalyst and is largely responsible for the marvelous run of form defensively this Liverpool have enjoyed.
Next. Liverpool’s scariest 5-a-side team: Do you agree?. dark
Virgil Van Dijk’s value to Liverpool is beyond calculation; unquantifiable to be exact. He stands along side Alisson Becker as the premier signing under Klopp’s tenure.