Rio Ferdinand has claimed that Liverpool’s game against Manchester City this weekend comes at the perfect time for Virgil Van Dijk.
Speaking to BT Sport last night, Ferdinand insisted that Van Dijk will look to hit back at those questioning his current form.
“It’s a great opportunity [for Liverpool]. I used to look at these games if we were a bit out of form and going into a big game you should look at it as this is the perfect game. This is what Liverpool should be thinking,” the pundit said via The Daily Mail. “This is Virgil Van Dijk’s time to go and shut a few people up. people are questioning him now, he was almost the invincible at one point.
“The best player on planet earth right now, the most in-form right now, Haaland, is coming to town. [Van Dijk will be thinking] “I’m going to put it on him, shut it up.” All of a sudden the dynamic changes and the confidence grows, and everyone is back on the path.”
Van Dijk and Haaland go toe-to-toe again
In theory, what Ferdinand is saying here makes perfect sense. Liverpool can’t wallow in self-pity after Sunday’s damaging defeat to Arsenal. They need to be right back at it.
It also serves as a chance to show that they’re not as far away from City this season as the table might suggest.
At the centre of that will be Van Dijk’s battle against Erling Haaland. Since Virgil kept him quiet in July’s Community Shield match, the Norwegian has been absolutely rampant.
He now has 20 goals in a City shirt and the Halloween decorations are barely out of the loft. Haaland was also rested for City last night with full focus on Sunday’s trip to Anfield.
It’s undoubtedly a big test for Van Dijk, and for Liverpool generally. But the Dutchman has stood up mightily to these tests throughout his time with the Reds.
There’s a reason why he’s been repeatedly hailed as the best in the business of defending. Because more often than not, he has been.
We haven’t seen too much of that this season, though. But hopefully the presence of English football’s unstoppable force at Anfield will spark Van Dijk into life.
If it can, perhaps Liverpool’s season can be given a jolt in the process. Here’s to hoping, anyway. Gulp.
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