One of Liverpool’s strengths yesterday was the Reds’ ability to completely stifle Manchester City’s attack. The Reds didn’t give Manchester City a sniff at goal. Pep Guardiola’s side struggled to create any chances from open play all game.
They had to really on a clever set-piece routine to score past Caoimhin Kelleher in the Liverpool goal. But it wasn’t just Kelleher who put in a great performance. Liverpool’s defence was brilliant yesterday.
Virgil van Dijk was impervious, meanwhile Jarell Quansah alongside him put in a very mature performance. Joe Gomez was a wall. Andy Robertson and Conor Bradley both also played really well. While Wataru Endo provided much needed stability in the midfield in front of them.
All that meant is that City were unable to breakdown Liverpool’s defensive structure. Armed with creative players like Kevin de Bruyne and a ruthless finisher like Erling Haaland – Liverpool completely eliminated both of their influence in the game.
Alan Shearer on Virgil van Dijk
The star of Liverpool’s defence was definitely Virgil van Dijk. The way he controlled Haaland was just really wonderful to see. It was a lesson in defending. And the kind of performance you want and expect from your captain.
Speaking on The Rest is Football Podcast, Alan Shearer, Gary Lineker and Micah Richards were all full of awe for Van Dijk. The former of the trio even went onto praise him and describe him as a ‘magnificent player.’
“He is a magnificent player. He is a great leader as well, isn’t he? He’s a great leader. You can see all the players in and around him giving them instructions. Yeah, he is a fantastic player. Micah [Richards] is right back to his very, very best,” Shearer said.
Shearer is right. By every marker, Virgil van Dijk is one of the best players in the Premier League. He is playing like he is in his prime again. Liverpool will hope it continues for a very long time.
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