This time last year there were many people raising huge question marks over Liverpool’s defence. Jurgen Klopp’s side looked jaded. It seemed like the Reds were past their best.
The defence in particular, was looking weak, and far too easy to beat. There were huge concerns over the form of Virgil van Dijk, who seemed to struggle as much as the rest of the Liverpool defence.
These performances were so uncharacteristic from the now Liverpool captain that people were afraid he might have started to decline.
But this season, Van Dijk has quashed all those doubts aside. And he has once again proven the age old adage right: form is temporary, class is permanent.
Liverpool v Fulham – Carabao Cup Semi Final First Leg
Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Virgil van Dijk back to his best
Recently, Jamie Carragher lauded Van Dijk as ‘outstanding’ for his performances. And if we needed more proof the latest CIES study now officially confirms that he has been spectacular this season. Particularly, in one area.
CIES released a study showcasing the most aerially dominant centre-backs in world football. Unsurprisingly, Van Dijk came out on top of the study. He accumulated a 93 index rating which was higher than anyone else.
According to CIES Van Dijk wins 4.97 aerial duels per 90 and at a success rate of 79%. Those are incredible numbers, and it just goes to highlight just how brilliant the Liverpool captain has been this season.
A year on, nobody is questioning Liverpool’s defence – they’ve been the best in the league so far. Largely, in thanks to Van Dijk.
