OPINION
It’s much easier to turn heads as a striker. Bang in 29 goals in a season like Sergio Aguero has done and everyone knows the impact you’ve had for your side.
It’s tougher for defenders but Virgil van Dijk has made the headlines for all the right reasons since his £76million move from Southampton.
Liverpool have only conceded 19 goals this season in 32 league games and Van Dijk’s arrival has played a big part in creating the Premier League’s tightest defence.
And there was a moment in the 2-1 win against Tottenham on Sunday that could end up being the difference between Liverpool winning the Premier League or not.
With the score tied at 1-1 and Liverpool surging forward for a winner, they were caught on the break.
Moussa Sissoko was through on goal in a two-on-one situation with Son. If Van Dijk had committed himself it would have left an easy pass on to Son, who is deadly in those situations.
Instead, Van Dijk made his decision in a split second and favoured leaving Sissoko with the chance. He blazed it over the bar.
It was a moment of genius that could prove so valuable to Liverpool and it’s the sort of immense decision making that the centre-back has shown all season.
People laughed when Chris Sutton said Van Dijk was the best player in the world in December. No one is laughing quite so hard now – certainly not any Tottenham fans.
He simply has to win the PFA Player of the Year.