Virgil van Dijk is different level.
We’ve loved watching the Dutchman stroll through games since his arrival in January – and we mean that as a compliment.
He’s one of those players who looks utterly effortless. This kind of description is usually saved for a creative midfielder – a no.10 with guile and flair – but van Dijk’s a centre-back!
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(Video) Van Dijk’s long pass to Trent is a thing of beauty…
And to go with his composure and technical ability, he’s a real brute, too.
According to Opta, van Dijk has won 72.3% of his duels this term (for both Southampton and Liverpool); more than any other player in the country.
72.3% – @VirgilvDijk won 72.3 percent of all his duels in the 2017/18 Premier League season, the highest percentage of all players (min. 100 duels). Boss. pic.twitter.com/bT93uDnJE4
— OptaJohan (@OptaJohan) May 14, 2018
When Liverpool spent £75m on van Dijk, we hoped we were buying a powerful defender who could lead our defence and play out from the back.
He can do all of that and so much more.
We’d argue that he’s now the best centre-back in the Premier League, actually.
The improvement of Dejan Lovren alongside him is testament to this, too.
Now, we hope he pockets Cristiano Ronaldo in the Champions League Final.