The imposing defender experienced a decline by his lofty standards last term, with the Reds eventually ranking fifth in the Premier League table, without picking up a single piece of silverware. Van Dijk was one of the many reasons behind the team’s struggles, as he simply appeared far from his previous best.
The landscape has completely changed already this season. Liverpool is competing at the business end of the table after 12 matches — ranked one point behind Manchester City at the summit — with Jürgen Klopp’s men also progressing nicely in each of their cup competitions. The skipper has been central to the team’s newfound strength. He’s played all but two of Liverpool’s matches in the Premier League and throughout his performances, he’s painted himself as the best defender in England once again, despite many doubts surrounding his name just a few months ago.
Supporters up and down the country are becoming increasingly aware of Van Dijk’s form. So much so that numbers are being applied to his showings as a means of proving that he’s back in business. A simple search of his name on virtually any social media platform right now would deliver results relating to his impressive amount of tackles so far, or the sheer number of clearances that he’s made.
Virgil van Dijk was awarded the captaincy of Liverpool over the summer, with both Jordan Henderson and James Milner leaving Anfield in search of new challenges. The Dutchman was presented with the great honor upon their departure and since then, he’s showcased a healthy degree of form at Anfield.
