Is Van Dijk the Premier League's best-ever centre-back?
Has a Liverpool player ever received as much endless praise over a sustained period than Virgil van Dijk?
The Dutchman has been an almost godlike figure at Anfield from the moment he arrived in January 2018, powering home a header in front of the Kop on his debut, against Everton no less.
Since then, Van Dijk has transformed a leaky defence that used to concede comical goals into one of Europe's most solid back-lines.
With the 28-year-old in the team, …
Tactical Analysis: Van Dijk Shines as Reds Pass Turf Moore Test
The stage was set for Liverpool to drop their first points of their new campaign. No sooner had the referee ushered the ball towards the centre circle to kickstart proceedings, than Sean Dyche was seen gesticulating towards his players to kick the ball long towards the Liverpool defence. Why? Well, as Sean Dyche pointed out without any concern for subtlety, the sun was shining directly into the eyes of Liverpool's defence and keeper. The message was clear: hit early long …
Majestic Van Dijk has Produced a Season of Greatness
Even when Liverpool leave you tearing your hair out, Virgil van Dijk still manages to come away blameless.
At Everton, the Reds played with the kind of intensity on show at Goodison Park last season, when thoughts were more on Champions League duty rather than derby affairs, as a drab 0-0 draw was played out.
Last Sunday's performance wasn't of a team desperately trying to win the Premier League and return to the top of the table, with a lack …