Jason Cundy has told TalkSPORT he believes Everton duo Conor Coady and James Tarkowski have enjoyed better starts to the Premier League season than Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk – even before the Reds suffered defeat to Arsenal.
Liverpool have made a surprisingly poor start to the campaign. Indeed, Jurgen Klopp’s men have won just two of eight Premier League matches, sitting in a lowly tenth place. On Sunday afternoon, they were beaten by Mikel Arteta’s side.
Despite goals from Darwin Nunez and Roberto Firmino, Liverpool were well-beaten by an Arsenal side in superb form. Gabriel Martinelli got one, and Bukayo Saka netted a brace. The second, a pressure penalty to put his side 3-2 up.
After the win over Liverpool, Cundy was discussing the form of van Dijk. He told TalkSPORT prior to Sunday’s result that he believes the Dutchman is nowhere near the top centre-backs in the league this season – like Coady and Tarkowski.
“Van Dijk is a brilliant centre-half, but the injury has killed him. He’s nowhere near the best centre-backs in the league this season. Tarkowski has had a better season than him. Coady, Dier, Saliba [have been better],” Cundy said.
Cundy: Everton duo better than Liverpool defender van Dijk
It is quite hard to argue with Cundy. While it is a big claim, if we are judging van Dijk on his form simply this season, it has been well below par. He is right to say the four centre-backs mentioned have been better than van Dijk this term.
But it is crucial to say, only this season. Judging over the last few years, van Dijk has probably been the best the Premier League has to offer – above anything Manchester City have had to offer. Even Ruben Dias. Form is temporary.
When – and not if – Liverpool start to get back to winning ways, van Dijk’s form will improve. However, the turn around in form needs to happen sooner rather than later – or they will find themselves struggling to finish in the top four.
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