Liverpool have been missing some top players through injury over the past few months.
Without the likes of Mohamed Salah, Alisson Becker, Trent Alexander-Arnold and a handful of others, the Reds were always going to be weaker for it.
However, even without those luminaries missing, Liverpool have still found a way to win. They even picked up a trophy along the way. That they did was down to a collective effort, but there’s little question that it wouldn’t have been possible without captain and leader Virgil van Dijk.
As well as being the match winner in the Carabao Cup final, Van Dijk has been superb all season long. He’s well and truly stepped up from a disappointing season last time round.
And speaking to the BBC’s Planet Premier League podcast about the Dutchman, World Cup winning midfielder Cesc Fabregas has given him the highest of praise.
“Van Dijk definitely for me, he’s one of the best players, one of the best defenders in world football,” Fabregas gushed. “He’s so dominant, he’s fast, he’s strong, he’s intelligent, he reads the situations well.”
Fabregas hails Van Dijk
At pretty much any point over the past six years or so, Fabregas’ point of view has been true. Van Dijk’s level has been so high ever since he joined Liverpool in 2018.
Even before that, with Southampton, the Netherlands international was relentlessly excellent.
The one time where Virgil may not have been in the category of the best in the world was during last season. With Liverpool struggling badly, the centre-back was one of the worst offenders.
This led to some questioning whether he was ever going to regain his best form. But in reality, it was only a minor blip. Van Dijk could not have answered his critics more emphatically this year.
Sunday represents another big test of his credentials, though. With Manchester City and Erling Haaland coming to town, all eyes will be on Liverpool’s No.4.
This is a test he’s come through before, though. Haaland himself has often praised Van Dijk and has rarely gotten the better of him.
If that could continue this weekend, that would really cement the Reds skipper as once again being the benchmark for those in his position.
Now well into his thirties, Van Dijk is looking as good as he ever did. Long may it continue.
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