It has been an awful start to the season for Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk.
The Netherlands international has been one of the world’s finest central defenders since joining the Reds in a £75 million transfer back in January of 2018.
But it’s been a rotten first month of the Premier League season for Liverpool as a whole – and definitely Van Dijk.
On Monday, the Dutchman struggled as the Reds slumped to a 2-1 defeat away to Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Roy Keane labelled him ‘sloppy‘ for his performance and Micah Ricahrds admitted it was so ‘strange‘ to see such an accomplished defender playing like he has been.
However, Van Dijk still has an admirer in the form of Erling Haaland.
The £51 million Manchester City hitman will come up against the Liverpool powerhouse on at least two occasions in the Premier League this season – fitness permitting – and the Norway international has admitted his affection for him.
He told the September issue of Four Four Two: “It’s always nice to face the best and that’s what Van Dijk is. I’ve played against him a few times, and he’s a really good guy as well as an exceptional footballer. I like to play against him because he may be the best in the world. But I have scored at Anfield and for Norway against the Netherlands.”
Football is a fickle business and you can go from world class to a dud within a matter of weeks.
It’s very rare that you see players like Van Dijk subjected to meme treatment on social media, but that’s what has happened since Liverpool’s defeat this week.
But as the adage goes – form is temporary, class is permanent.
And with Haaland acknowledging that he’s ‘exceptional’, it’s only a matter of time before the former Southampton stalwart reminds everyone of his ability.
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