Liverpool strolled past West Ham on Sunday evening to end 2024 in superb style.
The Reds have had a good year overall, winning a League Cup before ringing in the Arne Slot era with a terrific start to the 2024/25 campaign.
2025 promises to be an even better one at Anfield, with Liverpool well on course for a Premier League title win.
Their credentials were underlined again on Sunday as they put West Ham to the sword at the London Stadium.
Mohamed Salah was the game’s outstanding performer, heading home having added a goal and two more assists to his ever growing tally for the season.
But according to Micah Richards, captain Virgil van Dijk also deserved praise for his display at West Ham.
Micah Richards hails Virgil van Dijk performance
In a game where Liverpool thrashed the opponent 5-0, it may seem strange to praise their defence.
But Van Dijk and co deserve those plaudits for the way they guided the Reds through a potentially tricky encounter.
The Dutchman in particular was outstanding as always. Even after Joe Gomez went off with a hamstring injury before the halftime break, Van Dijk didn’t even flinch. Jarell Quansah undoubtedly benefitted from having the skipper beside him.
And speaking on The Rest Is Football after watching Liverpool dismantle West Ham, Richards hailed another brilliant day at the office for Van Dijk.
“We’ve talked about Trent and we’ve talked about Salah but Van Dijk, oh my word, what a player he is,” raved the former Man City defender.
“Yes, he’s good on the ball, he’s tall, he’s strong but he’s effortless in everything that he does. If you watch his positioning he’s always in the right position.”
“He’s spot on, he’s one of the Premier League greats, we’re talking top line defender. When to step out, when to drop off, when to engage. He’s got everything.
“Just watching him in every game, he’s a delight to watch, he really is.”
Van Dijk still finding extra gears
There was a hearts in mouth moment for Liverpool fans just before Gomez eventually went off injured.
After colliding with Jarrod Bowen, Van Dijk stayed down with a grimaced look of pain on his face.
| Accurate Passes | Tackles Won | Blocks | Clearances | Dribbled Past | Duels Won | |
| Virgil van Dijk vs West Ham | 57/61 | 1/1 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 7/7 |
Every supporter must have been fearing the worst for a few moments, as the 33-year-old struggled back to his feet and limped away.
But Van Dijk is as sturdy as they come and the Netherlands captain stuck it out and put in yet another colossal display.
Just when you think Virgil cannot get any better, he turns up with another superlative performance. Salah may be taking most of the headlines, but Van Dijk has been just as important this season.
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