Ally McCoist says he’s desperate for 31-year-old Liverpool star to have a brilliant season

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The football world needs to see Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk back to his very best next season.

That’s the view of pundit Ally McCoist. Van Dijk had a really tricky time of it in 2022/23, facing real criticism for the first time as a Liverpool player.

But speaking on TalkSPORT today, McCoist has admitted that he’d really love to see the Dutchman back to his best. Not just for he himself, but for football fans everywhere.

“Do you know what I really want to see and I mean this from a personal point of view. I want to see Van Dijk back to his best,” said the former Scotland star. “That would be a wish. Just for all football fans.

“His performances haven’t been to the same level as they were before the injury. I’d love to see him get back to his best.”

Us too, Ally!

Virgil aiming to get back to his best

Next season is a really, really big one for Virgil. Having seen his crown slip gradually over the course of last year, there will be a few writing him off.

He’ll turn 32 before the season begins and genuinely looked past his best at times during the campaign just gone.

It’s now up to the Netherlands skipper to show that he’s still got what it takes to still be called the very best in the business.

From our point of view, we don’t doubt that he will do just that. It isn’t a given that Liverpool will be better than they were last season, but they could hardly be all that much worse.

You expect Van Dijk will get some respite during the Europa League ties and should therefore be a little more rested than he has been in recent season.

There is still the possibility that Liverpool will bring in a new player to fill in for him, too. Links to Sporting’s Goncalo Inacio have been ramping up once again today, and he would be a perfect back-up for the Reds’ No.4.

But even if the cavalry doesn’t quite arrive, we’re backing Virgil to once again show his class. With James Milner gone, he’ll likely take on the added responsibility of the permanent vice-captaincy as well. We’re hoping that this little switch in roles will bring out the best in the big man. If it doesn’t, there may be some difficult truths to face.