Let’s be honest Liverpool fans don’t need to be told that Virgil van Dijk is the best defender in the world – they already know. However, it’s nice to see the Dutchman being recognised for his performances recently.
The Liverpool captain has been back to his best – arguably even reaching his very peak – so far this season. Having the captain’s armband and a more balanced midfield in front of him has both helped to bring a side of him even some Liverpool fans may have doubted he still had.
In turn, Liverpool are once again fighting for the Premier League title and are expected to go head to head with Manchester City once again in what is now a perpetual battle between the two sides.
What’s impressive about Van Dijk is that his performances are not just impressive to the naked eye – but they’re also backed up by data.
No one can compete with Van Dijk
According to WhoScored statistics there have been 353 players in Europe’s top five leagues who have attempted 25+ tackles this season. And out of the 353 players only Virgil van Dijk has had a 100% success rate.
For Liverpool supporters this statistic probably won’t be that much of a surprise. Although it’s still an incredible output from the Liverpool man and it just goes to show how brilliant he has been this season.
He’s been dominating opponents and has made Liverpool the best defence in the league again. The Reds have conceded the fewest goals, have kept the most clean-sheets and importantly have lost the fewest games as well in the Premier League so far.
Without Van Dijk, it is moot whether any of that would have been possible. He is still very much the best defender in the world, and this latest statistic from WhoScored is now irrefutable evidence to support that statement.
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