Virgil van Dijk, Liverpool’s stalwart defender, has been both lauded as one of the best in the world and criticized as overrated. To provide a balanced perspective, we delve into his recent performances, updated statistics, and comparisons with other top defenders.
A statistical look at the 2024/25 season:
Van Dijk played 10 Premier League matches this season, scoring one goal and helping Liverpool keep five clean sheets. In the UEFA Champions League, the Dutch professional made three appearances, scoring one goal and contributing to one clean sheet. His defensive record stands at 12 goals conceded in 16 matches, averaging 0.6 goals conceded per 90 minutes, putting him in the 96th percentile for clean sheets.
Defensive performance:
Despite a solid defensive record, Van Dijk’s performance has faced scrutiny. He averages 0.56 tackles and 1.56 interceptions per 90 minutes. While his passing accuracy remains high at 90%, and he completes 81 passes per match, some critics argue that these statistics mask underlying vulnerabilities.
Offensive contribution:
Offensive contributions of Virgil van Dijk are modest but noteworthy. He has scored one goal in both the Premier League and the Champions League this season, with a pass completion rate of 90% in the league and 87% in the Champions League.
Peer comparison
When compared to Raphael Varane, Matthijs de Ligt, Leonardo Bonucci, and Joe Gomez, Van Dijk’s strengths lie in his leadership and ability to read the game. However, his critics point to a dip in form and vulnerability since his knee injury, suggesting he may not be as impervious as once thought.
Dispelling the myth
The notion of Van Dijk being “undribbled past” has been dispelled by instances where opponents like Arsenal’s Nicolas Pepe managed to get the better of him. Analysis by WhoScored reveals that Van Dijk was dribbled past 0.3 times per game in the Premier League and 0.4 times per Champions League match last term, indicating a slight decline from his peak.
Final thoughts:
While Van Dijk has undeniably been a crucial player for Liverpool, leading them to significant successes, the debate over whether he is overrated persists. His recent performances show both strengths and vulnerabilities, and comparisons with other top defenders highlight a competitive field. Ultimately, the perception of Van Dijk’s prowess may depend on individual perspectives and criteria for evaluating defenders.
What are your thoughts on Virgil van Dijk’s performance and reputation?
