Former Chelsea player Gary Cahill has named Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk as the toughest defender he ever faced.
Cahill was asked to put together a five-a-side team of the most difficult opponents of his career by LADbible TV. After naming Manchester City’s Ederson as the goalkeeper, the ex-England international made an easy decision in defence.
“Van Dijk for me, massive player,” said Cahill. “Early on in his career I remember playing him when he was at Southampton, almost learning his way there. Got his move to Liverpool and the rest speaks for itself.
“[He’s] obviously one of the best centre-backs in the world I think. Seems a big character, quick, strong, aggressive, can play, all the attributes you need to be a top player in European football and the Premier League.”
Van Dijk was in good company in Cahill’s team with Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Paul Scholes making up the five.
Cahill sends timely Van Dijk reminder
As a Champions League-winning defender himself, Cahill knows a good centre-back when he sees one. And despite his current struggles, Van Dijk is still the best around.
All the attributes Cahill describes are ones that Virgil not only excels in, but is absolute best-in-class at.
Some will tell you that this is no longer the case. In defence of those people, Van Dijk hasn’t exactly been at his dominating best this season.
But there are mitigating factors. Liverpool as a whole have been exceptionally poor. Without a proper midfield in-front of him and with a revolving door of partners, Virgil has had to make do.
It’s worth remembering that as the Reds ploughed their way towards a doomed quadruple last year, the Dutchman was a key performer. Man of the Match in the Carabao Cup final and keeping another clean sheet in the FA Cup final, he was still leading Liverpool to trophies not too long ago.
Many will need to see an improvement next campaign to know that Van Dijk is still the player Cahill is describing here. But for us, it isn’t in doubt. Get Liverpool a brand new midfield and we’ll see the 31-year-old shining again in no time.
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