Liverpool’s captain Virgil van Dijk is having a terrific season at the club. The Dutchman’s performances in the 2023/24 campaign have once again reminded the football community of his main traits and world-class quality.
Van Dijk’s commanding presence and leadership in Liverpool’s backline have already led the team to an emotional triumph in the Carabao Cup competition. In the final against Chelsea, Van Dijk’s aerial dominance earned him a game-winning header in the 118th minute of the game to secure the title in style.
Van Dijk’s Pre-Injury Prime
After joining Liverpool from Southampton for a staggering 75 million pounds in the 2017/18 season, van Dijk wasted no time displaying his immaculate defensive abilities for the Reds. A Dutch giant immediately adapted to a new team and quickly became Liverpool’s crucial defender.
Van Dijk’s prime is widely associated with his outstanding performances in the 2018/19 and 2019/20 seasons. His influence on Liverpool’s triumphs was massive, as he helped the club win a Champions League in one season and a first Premier League trophy in 30 years, in another. After van Dijk’s arrival and his development, Liverpool’s defence transformed into one of the toughest in the world to crack.
It was van Dijk’s remarkable consistency that astounded the football world. Incredible individual displays such as not being dribbled past by any player for an entire season cemented his status as the best defender in the world. His performances saw him finish as the runner-up in the Ballon d’Or award of 2019, falling just short of Lionel Messi. However, van Dijk’s historic run could not leave him without an individual award. He went on to win the UEFA’s Best Player of 2019 award as well as become the 2018/19 EA SPORTS Player of the Season.
Van Dijk’s post-injury struggles
Van Dijk’s miraculous flow was interrupted by a serious knee injury on 19 October, 2020. Van Dijk suffered a cruciate ligament tear in the Premier League match against Everton in a collision with goalkeeper Jordan Pickford. The injury ruled the Dutchman out for 254 days, putting an early ending to the 2020/21 season for him.
Van Dijk completed his recovery prior to the beginning of the 2021/22 season and made a long-awaited return to the pitch at the start of the campaign. Although his high class remained intact, the marks left by a severe injury were visible. Van Dijk’s pace and agility in defence took a noticeable blow, making it feasible for adept strikers and midfielders to dribble past him, a task that was previously impossible. Despite having difficulties with bouncing back to his superb old form, van Dijk never stopped working on his improvement and always remained a key defender for Liverpool.
Van Dijk’s hard work was gradually paying off, and he is now showing signs of his best self once again. Considering the towering Dutchman’s age, his redemption is particularly impressive.
Liverpool’s Goals for the Remainder of the 2023/24 season
After winning the Carabao Cup final against Chelsea and being eliminated from the FA Cup in the semifinals against Manchester United, Liverpool remains in the battle for trophies this season, in the Premier League and UEFA Europa League.
They are currently positioned second in the Premier League, having a tense competition for first place with Arsenal and Manchester City with 10 games to go. In the Europa League quarterfinals, Liverpool was paired with Atalanta. The Reds are looking to win both tournaments, and van Dijk’s current form should play a crucial role in helping them achieve that, especially in Jürgen Klopp’s last season with the team.