One often tends to use superlatives in abundance while describing Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk.
He combines the desirable but contrasting attributes of the great central defenders of tested years.
The 33-year-old Dutch centre-back is definitely among the very best in his playing position in the world at the moment.
However, one tends to have a feeling that the Liverpool management waited until the Premier League match last weekend against West Ham United to give the Dutchman a two-year contract extension.
Van Dijk scored the match-winner to virtually ensure the Premier League title for the Reds, which will also be his second with the club.
Virgil van Dijk: A Tower of Strength in Liverpool’s Defence
The Dutchman is such a physical specimen that his physical attributes tends to overshadow his footballing skills.
He has great anticipation which often negates the necessity to go for reckless tackles. He can also play the ball forward with consummate ease and is one of the most imposing presences in his own as well as the opposition penalty box.
Van Dijk has been one of the best central defenders this season as well, but there have been a few occasions when Liverpool’s defence has been harassed.
Paris Saint-Germain did that to the Reds over two legs in their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 tie and Newcastle United followed suit in the EFL Cup final. Van Dijk played in each of those matches, but could not help the Reds much.
However, he is allowed to have the odd match or two for his club, in which he fails to perform.
In his eight seasons at Anfield, the big man has made 314 appearances for the club. He has won the Champions League as well as the Premier League and finished second behind Lionel Messi in Ballon d’Or 2019 – a rare feat for a defender.
It is a vindication of his contribution to the club that he has been rewarded with a new contract.
Mohamed Salah, the other colossal player for the Reds, also got a contract extension around a month ago. Now, the extension of van Dijk’s stay at the club should appease its supporters.
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Liverpool Have a Hand on the League Title
The Reds lead Arsenal by a very significant 13 points in Premier League with six rounds of matches to play.
The lead is too big for Arsenal to bridge in all probability. Besides, the Gunners have qualified for the Champions League semi-final and will have considerable attention on it.
Van Dijk will be one of the senior Liverpool players eager to put mind over matter and guide the Reds to a couple more victories, which will take them beyond Arsenal’s reach.
A 20th league title will be one to savour for the Reds.
Van Dijk has probably been the most consistent player in their campaign, considering the fact that Mohamed Salah’s form has dipped during the past month or so. The Dutchman will surely be hailed as one of the club’s all-time greats when he makes am exit.
Until then, the Liverpool supporters should relish his stint at the club.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / NurPhoto
Recording Date: 13.04.2025