A group of Liverpool fans have been discussing their central-defender Virgil van Dijk after an image was posted on Twitter by @Kristian_Walsh in which he defended what seemed like an impossible situation successfully.
The image was captured during a fixture between the Reds and Tottenham Hotspur. The Dutch international was faced by Moussa Sissoko in possession who had Son Heung-min up alongside him in support without another defender in sight but astonishingly, he was able to defend the situation effectively.
Here is how some of the club’s supporters have reacted to the image on Twitter.
still one of my favourite VVD moments, incredible defending
— Alex (@AlexThe90sKid) March 31, 2020
1. Like a predator, identify the weaker player
2. Give that player hope of a chance, bait him into thinking there’s space & time
3. Limit his ability to pass to the deadlier player
4. Be patient, wait for the moment
5. At the right time, block the shot from his weaker foot— Simply_Noch LFC™ (@nochdawe) March 31, 2020
Oh yeah. I recall watching live. Amazing. He beat two on one. #LFC.
— ? KloppGypsy ? (@KloppGypsy) March 31, 2020
I’d say “Wow” brilliant from VVD
— David Thorpe (@DavidThorpe_) March 31, 2020
Is Van Dijk the best defender in world football?
Yes
No
Because he’s….virgil can Dijk…
— ? ? ? Phat_Tok??? (@phat_tok) March 31, 2020
Cuts the angle to Son (better finisher obv) and tricks Sissoko into shooting with his left. Unreal defending ??
— Rishab (@RishabSaini) March 31, 2020
What do we think?
Virgil van Dijk has been a revelation this season, a statement supported by his impressive average performance rating of 7.4/10 (via WhoScored.com). The 28-year-old cost the club an incredible £76.19m from Southampton in January 2018 but based on the replies above, we can assume the supporters believe he has been worth every penny.
He has played every minute in the Premier League for Jurgen Klopp’s side this season, contributing four goals which is more than Georginio Wijnaldum, Jordan Henderson and Divock Origi.