Virgil van Dijk Returns to Top Form as Liverpool’s Unbeatable Defender

In the Premier League, there is a sense of deja vu as Virgil van Dijk proves he is back to his best for Liverpool this season. After doubts were raised about his performance levels, the Reds’ captain is enjoying a remarkable run of form.

Van Dijk suffered a devastating injury during the Merseyside derby in October 2020, which kept him out for the rest of the season. Since then, critics have accused him of failing to reach his previous heights. However, according to WhoScored, the 32-year-old is silencing those critics as he remains the only defender in the league who has not been dribbled past in the 2023/24 season.

Unmatched Defensive Skills

Out of the 49 center-backs who have started at least five matches this season, Van Dijk stands alone as the only one who has not been dribbled past. This remarkable statistic highlights his exceptional defensive abilities and sets him apart from notable defenders like William Saliba, Micky van de Ven, Thiago Silva, and Manuel Akanji.

A Return to His Prime

This achievement brings back memories of Van Dijk in his prime when rival fans struggled to find footage of players even coming close to getting past him. Netherlands boss Ronald Koeman has praised the defender’s recent form, describing him as the “old Virgil” and acknowledging minor improvements in his leadership qualities.

“He has gone through a bad period. In recent international matches, I thought he was the old Virgil again,” Koeman told Ziggo Sport.

Continued Success for Liverpool

The armband has proven to be an asset for Van Dijk on the pitch this season, as he continues to showcase his unbeatable defensive skills. This resurgence in form adds weight to the idea that he is returning to the player we all know he can be. Liverpool fans are hopeful that this trend will continue as Jurgen Klopp’s side aims for success on all fronts this season.