Liverpool enjoyed a dominant performance against Brighton in the FA Cup on Saturday, winning 3-0, and captain Virgil van Dijk was at his very best.
According to data from Sofascore, the Dutchman won 100% (5 out of 5) of his aerial duels, and made one interception, five clearances and three ball recoveries.
He received a 7.7/10 match rating and, on another night, would have been Man of the Match, but that honour went to Mohamed Salah. whose form is improving week on week.
Liverpool look to Virgil van Dijk to set the level for weekly performances
Speaking on The Rest Is Football, Micah Richards theorised that Liverpool look to their skipper to set the level, and when he’s at his best, so to is the rest of the squad.
“I think when van Dijk plays well the team play really well,” the former Man City defender said. “Konate after losing his dad has put in some really good performances as well.
“I just think when van Dijk plays well at the back the whole of Liverpool play [well]. If he has an off game, because everyone relies on him so much, it ruins the whole team, it really does because they’re so used to him being perfect in every single game.
“If you look at him the last couple of games he’s been brilliant, absolutely outstanding alongside Konate.”
Virgil van Dijk remains the best centre-back in the world – he’s complete
Liverpool are so lucky to have signed Virgil van Dijk in 2017.
At the time, then sporting director Michael Edwards was mocked for being so ready to sanction a £75m deal to sign the then Southampton captain.
Almost 10 years on, and very few signings have so completely reversed public opinion. He was briefly the most expensive defender in the world before Manchester United hilariously paid £80m to sign Harry Maguire.
Now 34, he remains world-class. While he might not be the physically perfect player he was a few years ago, it’s still hard to find a defender more complete than him.
Despite his age, he’s still rapid. His aerial dominance has arguably improved, as has his passing. This season might appear (from the outside) like a low point for him individually, but he is suffering from the lack of midfield protection.