You feel Virgil van Dijk’s stature and reputation at Liverpool is just growing by the week now.
In his final season at the club, Jurgen Klopp is aiming to win every trophy possible and his star defender is doing everything he can to make sure it happens.
That was proven by Virgil van Dijk’s performance in the League Cup final win over Chelsea and his most recent display as Liverpool recorded a 1-1 draw against their Premier League title rivals, Manchester City.
But Ally McCoist has admitted that he ‘didn’t think he would reach the level he was before the injury’, as he told talkSPORT (12/03/24 at 8:15 am).
When the 32-year-old returned from a lengthy lay-off during lockdown, he did take his time to prove his worth again, and although there were many top performances, he did have his bad moments, as was proven last season.
But it can’t be argued that, during this campaign, the Liverpool captain is performing at his very, very best, including being the best-performing centre-back in the Premier League today.
Ally McCoist was sure to highlight Virgil van Dijk’s brilliance, but did admit that he had his ‘concerns’ post-injury.
Virgil van Dijk’s performances for Liverpool
“Brillant, brilliant,” said McCoist about van Dijk’s performances
“Right now, he is back to where he was before his injury. I was really concerned because he came back, he was looking good and he was looking good.
“But I didn’t think he would reach the level that he was at before the injury and I think he is there now.”
Better than ever before
It could be argued this is van Dijk better than ever before simply because of what is around him.
A lot of experience left the Liverpool building in the summer meaning there is still a phase of transition in the middle of the park, not easy to deal with if you are in the back four.
Added to that, there have been injuries galore, which has meant a number of young stars having to play.
From thriving right-back Conor Bradley to another academy star in Jarell Quansah.
Despite all of this, van Dijk has taken it all in his stride, continued to perform himself and also ensured the youngsters play at their very best.
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