Jamie Carragher has claimed Virgil van Dijk’s resurgence is the main reason for Liverpool’s comeback this season.
The Reds are top of the Premier League after 20 games in the 2023/2024 season. With 45 points, it is no less than 13 points less than last season.
Jurgen Klopp’s tactical adjustments, Trent Alexander-Arnold’s midfield moves and rebuilding efforts in the summer have all contributed significantly to the turnaround in Liverpool’s fortunes. But Carragher said Van Dijk’s form was important.
He told Sky Sports: “A lot has been made about central defence. You are right.”Liverpool’s six transfers this summer have all involved midfielders, but Liverpool have gone all out to bring back Virgil van Dijk.”
Carragher explained how Van Dijk’s best season coincided with the team’s most successful season.
The defender’s only major decline came in the 2022/2023 season, a year in which Liverpool also struggled. “If Van Dijk is out with an ACL [in 2020/21], look at how many goals Liverpool will concede if they play five games: 42,” Carragher said.“Last season [2022/23] he played 32 games but conceded 47 goals.
The total score is 67 points. It was Virgil van Dijk’s only poor season at Liverpool.”
Liverpool bring Virgil van Dijk back to his best” 💯 @Carra23 looks at Virgil van Dijk’s impact on Liverpool’s Premier League title hopes 🔴 pic.twitter.com/8Y4YkCX2rY— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 1, 2024
The Liverpool captain has been outstanding in defense this season and finished 2023 with the most aerial wins (of those with 100 attempts) of any player in Europe’s top five leagues.
The Dutchman was one of two Liverpool players named in Octa’s Premier League First Half Team of the Year and is yet to dribble in the Premier League this season.
It’s a statistic the former Southampton star is familiar with.Carragher added of Van Dijk: “He can take on any attacker physically and turn them around with his power and pace.
