{"id":1343442,"date":"2024-03-01T14:13:53","date_gmt":"2024-03-01T14:13:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/?p=1343442"},"modified":"2024-03-01T14:37:19","modified_gmt":"2024-03-01T14:37:19","slug":"virgil-van-dijk-centre-back-comparisons","status":"publish","type":"features","link":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/virgil-van-dijk-centre-back-comparisons\/","title":{"rendered":"Nottingham Forest have more reason to fear Van Dijk as Liverpool continue to weather injury crisis"},"content":{"rendered":"

Virgil van Dijk is back to his best.<\/strong><\/p>\n

A few years ago, Van Dijk was considered one of the best players in the world, let alone the best centre-back. In 2019, the Liverpool and Netherlands defender finished second in the Ballon d’Or, only beaten by Lionel Messi by just seven points (686-679). He also finished second to Messi in The Best FIFA Men’s Player awards, losing by eight points (46-38).<\/p>\n

But in October 2020 Van Dijk suffered an ACL injury that kept him out for the remainder of the season, and looked to have potentially ended his time at the top. Once he returned, Van Dijk didn’t look the same player. It felt as though he had more mistakes in his game, being easier to beat and in the 2022\/23 campaign he was dribbled past 11 times — the most for him in a single season since 2016\/17.<\/p>\n

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    However, this season, Van Dijk has been on a completely new level. The Dutchman has been a rock at the back for Liverpool as they chase Premier League glory, playing 24 of their 26 games this season — missing two through suspension. He’s also played twice in the FA Cup and four times in the EFL Cup, scoring an 118th-minute winner against Chelsea in the EFL Cup final.<\/p>\n

    The win came despite Liverpool having a number of injury problems, including the absence of Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez and Dominic Szoboszlai.<\/p>\n

    Joe Gomez didn’t start the EFL Cup final, but came off the bench in the 28th minute, to replace Ryan Gravenberch — the latest injury worry for Liverpool. Gomez didn’t play in midfield, however, he went to right-back with Conor Bradley moving further up the pitch.<\/p>\n

    Gomez has been a good utility man for Liverpool of late, filling in really well when injuries have struck. It’s a good run of form for a player that has had his own injury problems through his career. And it hasn’t gone unnoticed.<\/p>\n

    “He did outstanding, big credit to him for him to perform at left-back, right-back, centre-half, six and does it on the high level,” Van Dijk said, after Klopp had hailed Gomez for his recent performances.<\/p>\n

    “I’m just pleased for him and knowing what we have been through together a couple of years ago. And for him to be playing on that level is something he should get maybe more credit for.<\/p>\n

    “But he is a very close friend of mine and he is a very good player and has been outstanding. Maybe one of the players of the season this year.”<\/p>\n

    At the other end of the pitch, Nottingham Forest will be shaking in their boots as they prepare to face Liverpool this weekend. The (Midlands) Reds have conceded the most goals from set pieces in the Premier League this season with 16.<\/p>\n

    Both of Van Dijk’s two Premier League goals this season have come from set pieces — not to mention his EFL Cup final winner. He has scored one goal with his head, from 16 headed shots in total, six of which have hit the target. Don’t put it past him netting again this weekend.<\/p>\n

    Can anyone beat Van Dijk? The best Comparison Matrix reaction this week<\/h2>\n

    There’s no denying that Van Dijk is once again up there among the best centre-backs in the world, if not the best.<\/p>\n

     <\/p>\n

    Earlier this week the Squawka social team tasked followers with finding a centre-back in Europe who could ‘beat’ Van Dijk in a Comparison Matrix<\/a> head-to-head.<\/p>\n

    \n

    It feels like no one can beat Virgil van Dijk on the pitch…<\/p>\n

    So try to beat him on the Comparison Matrix. ?<\/p>\n

    — Squawka (@Squawka) February 25, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n