Why Virgil van Dijk Doesn’t Take Free-Kicks for Liverpool
Introduction:
Virgil van Dijk, the talented Liverpool defender, has shown his prowess as a free-kick taker during his time at other clubs. However, he has never taken on regular set-piece duties for Liverpool. This has left many fans wondering why, considering his ability. Van Dijk recently shed light on this mystery during an interview with Ben Foster for Amazon Prime.
Van Dijk’s Past Success with Free-Kicks:
Throughout his career at FC Groningen, Celtic, and Southampton, Van Dijk demonstrated his skills from distance. In fact, four of his first 22 goals at the club level were scored from set-pieces. This track record speaks to his capability as a free-kick taker.
The Presence of Trent Alexander-Arnold:
One of the main reasons Van Dijk has refrained from taking free-kicks for Liverpool is the presence of Trent Alexander-Arnold. Van Dijk acknowledges Alexander-Arnold’s abilities in this area, stating, “Listen, people forget that we have a very good free-kick taker in the team, with Trent.” He emphasizes the need to stick with what is working, as Alexander-Arnold has proven himself to be “very, very good” with his numbers and goals.
A Surprising Decision:
Given Van Dijk’s consistent presence on the pitch, it is surprising that he hasn’t taken up free-kick duties more frequently. His defensive prowess coupled with his ability to score from set-pieces makes him a valuable asset. However, Van Dijk has chosen to entrust Alexander-Arnold with the responsibility, believing in his potential to improve his shooting from free-kicks.
The Potential for Change:
While Van Dijk remains content with Alexander-Arnold’s performance, there is a possibility that he may take on free-kick duties in the future. Van Dijk possesses the quality and skill required to excel in this role. If circumstances change or if Alexander-Arnold’s consistency wavers, Van Dijk may step up to lead the team in set-piece situations.
Conclusion:
Virgil van Dijk’s decision to relinquish free-kick duties to Trent Alexander-Arnold highlights the latter’s exceptional talent in this area. Van Dijk’s trust in Alexander-Arnold’s ability and desire to maintain a winning formula has kept him from taking on these responsibilities. However, Van Dijk’s own skill as a free-kick taker remains a valuable asset for Liverpool, and there may come a time when he decides to showcase it on a more regular basis.