EPL
Virgil Van Dijk: the most underrated defender in the world
Liverpool defence was a leaky and shaky one in time past as they often allowed cheap goals.
In 2013-14 season under Brendan Rodgers, the backline which consists of Mamadou Sakho, Daniel Agger, Glen Johnson and José Enrique were not as solid as many would love to see, though, their errors were always covered up by deadly strikers who scored goals for fun.
In the same season, Merseyside side club almost beat Manchester City to the Premier League trophy but they couldn’t achieve such feat, no thanks to Stephen Gerrard’s unfortunate slip that led to Chelsea’s second goal in a 2-0 defeat at Anfield.
The Reds wonderful form can’t be traced to the strong defensive unit, instead, it was as a result of great striking partnership that existed between Daniel Sturridge, Raheem Sterling and Luis Suarez.
In Jurgen Klopp’s three seasons at Anfield, the Reds have made no significant improvements at the back as they still concede unexpected and shocking goals. The German manager won’t forget last season’s goalkeeping crises so quick.
Simon Mignolet, who was the initial first choice goalie, made so many unforgivable errors and he was made to pay as Klopp replaced him with Loris Karius as the first choice.
We all know how the young German netminder performed against Real Madrid in Kiev, hence, it’s better not to elaborate on it.
After buying and selling many defenders, Liverpool finally gets the perfect solution to their leaking defence when they completed a £75m deal for Southampton centre-back Virgil Van Dijk before the end of last season.
The Dutchman’s positive effect has been obviously seen as the team now looks so coordinated and solid.
Since Jamie Carragher’s retirement, the team have been in need of a leader at the back of the pitch. However, that had changed this season as Van Dijk is doing great in controlling his fellow defenders.
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joe Gomez have seamlessly settled down as regular starters in the team, thanks to the support and tutorials they’ve been receiving from the Dutchman on and off the pitch.
Despite all of the improvements Van Dijk has brought to the Reds’ defensive abilities, he is not getting the respect and mentions he truly deserves.
Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos didn’t do so much before he commands respect from reporters, fans and pundits.
Just as the Spaniard is important to Solari’s team, so is Van Dijk to Klopp’s team.
It won’t be too much to say that the Dutchman should be enjoying equal recognition and accolades from pundits and fans.
He deserves to be listed among the best defenders in the world
