Opinion: Virgil Van Dijk is far from finished

Published on

Suggestions that Virgil Van Dijk is is finished are foolish and lacking in insight to the integral role that the defender plays at Liverpool, writes Dylan Johnson. 

Virgil Van Dijk scored the opening goal as Liverpool secured all three points in a 2-0 victory against Wolves on Wednesday evening.  This was the Reds fourth Premier League clean sheet in a row, and they now sit sixth in the table.

Van Dijk has been under constant scrutiny this season with many viewing Liverpool’s inconsistency as a signal that the Dutchman’s ability to play at the highest level may be behind him.  This is just simply is not the case.

Liverpool have been terrible defensively this season – that is undeniable – but they have been better when Van Dijk is in the starting XI.  Jurgen Klopp’s side have been unable to win more than 40 per cent of their fixtures when missing Van Dijk.  Since his arrival from Southampton, Liverpool have won more than 70 percent of their fixtures when the Dutchman is in the team.

If you look at Liverpool’s biggest slump, this was at the beginning of the year stretching into February.  This was when Van Dijk was missing for more than 6 weeks with a hamstring injury.  Van Dijk may not be at this best, but Liverpool are categorically worse without him.

Recency bias is a curse football players will have to endure until the end of time, with many forgetting the quality of players if they do not perform every game.  An example of this is the perception of Erling Haaland at Manchester City now vs in October of last year. Manchester City are sitting five points behind Arsenal and it is somehow his fault other players are not performing defensively or offensively.  This is similar to the case with Van Dijk.

If you look at the entire Liverpool squad, you will see stars from last season under performing.  Virgil van Dijk has been struggling, but so are Joel Matip, Joe Gomez, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Andy Robertson, Fabinho and Jordan Henderson.

When partnered with Ibrahima Konate, Klopp’s first choice centre back pairing, the  Reds have been far better and so has Van Dijk.  Four Premier League clean sheets in a row and six points off of the Champions League place is progress, considering it took nearly six weeks for Liverpool to find their first victory of 2023.  Virgil Van Dijk has been key to this defensive stability.

The Dutchman was recently voted into the FIFA Men’s Best Team of the year for his performances over the past calendar year, a sign that those in his field still appreciate and respect his ability.  It is true that his performances this season have been below par, but Virgil Van Dijk will once again be back amongst the best in the world.

Post by

Dylan Johnson