Liverpool’s Andy Robertson believes Virgil van Dijk is currently in pole position for Player of the Year.
“If the season ended tonight, I would give him it personally,” he said, per the Liverpool Echo, before coneding: “There’s still 10 games to go and somebody can step up from another team.
“But Virgil can take it to a whole new level, I reckon. He’s so consistent as well. If he puts the performances in during the last 10 games as he has done, there’s no reason why he shouldn’t have that trophy.”
There’s little doubt that Van Dijk is in the leading pack for the award. Few players have had such a transformative effect as the Dutchman’s over the past year.
Liverpool were a side ridiculed, quite rightly, for their inconsistent defence. Every team knew they had a chance against the Reds as they could usually rely on some sort of mistake.
Things have changed dramatically since then, however, and now Liverpool even have more clean sheets than goals conceded. That’s largely down to Van Dijk.
And so it’s no surprise that Robertson feels Van Dijk should be Player of the Year. The Scot even commented on what it’s like playing alongside his tip for the award and the admiration is clear.
Robertson on Van Dijk as a player
“He makes my life easier, that’s for sure,” said Robertson. “To have him next to me it makes everything so much easier.
“When somebody is running at you and you know Virgil is inside – he’s rarely out of position, if ever.
“For me, he’s the best centre-back just now in the world. And he’s still young enough that he can get even better.”
Few players are better placed to judge just how good Van Dijk is – although Robertson certainly has some bias in there.
In truth, the award may be won in the next 10 games, as Robertson alluded to. The title is still far from won and the run-in has become the key part of the season.
Van Dijk has put himself in a great position, though – a little bit more and it’ll be a career-defining season.
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