Virgil van Dijk | Performances

He didnt blame the ref at all. I know you lot hate Van Dyke but watch the interview :lol:
Exactly this. The interviewer asked a stupid suggestive question and Van Dijk immediately followed up with "but to put the blame on the referee is not something I want to do". Dumfries even kinda admitted that he understood why it was a penalty, while Gakpo said "we don't need to say stuff about the referee and look for an explanation elsewhere, we should've done better ourselves".

Thought most of your players were very reasonable in their assessment, and I really don't like the interview methods your journos apply. So direct, almost attacking and very suggestive questions, trying to gather a headline here or there. Perhaps that's just your direct style of communication nation-wide, but I don't particularly like it. Also with Verbruggen, one of your bright spots, the interview wasn't that nicely done.
 
Never! I will keep my preconceived opinion of him like a true cafite. :angel:
:D

He really didn't want to attribute the loss to the referee, but the journalist's question was very suggestive towards the ref, trying to bait Van Dijk into an emotional response. His answer wasn't completely neutral but still quite measured imo.
 
Journalist tried to goad him into a comment about the ref, he rejected the question. Saw a video where you hear the journalist say "i tried" behind the camera. As if he was looking for VVD to make a stupid comment.
 
Journalist tried to goad him into a comment about the ref, he rejected the question. Saw a video where you hear the journalist say "i tried" behind the camera. As if he was looking for VVD to make a stupid comment.
And that wasn't the only one either. Another one later on literally asked Van Dijk about the match-fixing past of the ref. Like, what the feck do you want him to say man.
 
Journalist tried to goad him into a comment about the ref, he rejected the question. Saw a video where you hear the journalist say "i tried" behind the camera. As if he was looking for VVD to make a stupid comment.
More annoying was the reporter trying to goad De Vrij into feeling responsible for the 2-1. I wouldnt be able to not just headbutt a reporter who asked me this 3 minutes after the fact.
 
And that wasn't the only one either. Another one later on literally asked Van Dijk about the match-fixing past of the ref. Like, what the feck do you want him to say man.

Think this was the one, question is at 2.40, he handed it perfectly, " you want to get me in trouble" then after you can hear them saying that after. Absolute gowls.

 
I'd hate journos asking me questions I've finished playing my 7 or 5 a side games, never mind actual games :lol: I'd not be able to engage the level headed aspect.

But unlucky Virgil :cool:
 
Back to his best?






With his advancing age and the injuries he has sustained, I believe(fact)he has lost the superhuman athleticism that once set him apart. This includes his exceptional speed, agility, zig-zag runs, and the daring slide tackles that he has largely refrained from attempting since his ACL injury. These qualities were hallmarks of his game during the 2018–2020 period.

In the Slot era, however, I have observed a greater sense of commitment and intensity in his challenges. His confidence in tackling is gradually returning, and his tendency toward occasional complacency has significantly decreased. This shift is partly due to the absence of the extraordinary pace he once possessed, which previously allowed him to chase down opponents recklessly. His game-reading ability and leadership on the pitch, however, remain as reliable as ever.

Under Slot’s system, I also see an opportunity for him to showcase his on-ball abilities more prominently. This includes his passing range, his ability to control the tempoI believe what Slot likely emphasizes to him is to avoid playing too passively. Every defender in Slot’s system exhibits a far more active approach compared to those in Klopp’s era. from the backline, and his willingness to carry the ball forward—skills that have become more evident compared to his role during Klopp’s tenure.

I believe what Slot likely emphasizes to him is to avoid playing too passively. Every defender in Slot’s system exhibits a far more active approach compared to those in Klopp’s era.
 
Is he still doing that weird backing off movement when facing a 1v1?
 
He had a really great game, mature, intelligent, classy.
 
Only a prime Rashford can terrorize Van Dijk. Now that Rashford’s form has fallen off a cliff, Van Dijk has no player to fear.
 
This place is mad. He's absolutely top class and has been for many years
This. He struggled for a while after his long injury, and by struggle I mean wasn't the best center back in the world. He's been back for quite a while though. Konate has been great this season and he's still second fiddle.
 
He did actually create the only 2 dangerous moments for Madrid by poor passes.

I did enjoy him twatting Mbappe.
 
He did actually create the only 2 dangerous moments for Madrid by poor passes.

I did enjoy him twatting Mbappe.
How dare you point out such a thing and at the same time question the ability of a player that would be at the same level as a Ledley King/Woodgate/Cahill if he played during the early 00s.
 
Can't wait until the big oaf declines. He's incredibly valuable to what makes this Liverpool side so consistent in results.
 
How dare you point out such a thing and at the same time question the ability of a player that would be at the same level as a Ledley King/Woodgate/Cahill if he played during the early 00s.

I know he is a Liverpool player but you dont have to make ridiculous statements when you try to play down van Dijk his ability. Atleast say that he isnt at the same level as Rio if you want to compare van Dijk unfavorable to a 'good old days' defender.
 
For all the talk about Salah & Trent potentially leaving - he has also been incredibly important this season now that he appears back to full fitness and close to peak form as a result. They'll find him similarly difficult to replace if he leaves... not sure what the discussion is around that and a new deal? Most of the attention seems to be focused on the other two at the moment.
 
For all the talk about Salah & Trent potentially leaving - he has also been incredibly important this season now that he appears back to full fitness and close to peak form as a result. They'll find him similarly difficult to replace if he leaves... not sure what the discussion is around that and a new deal? Most of the attention seems to be focused on the other two at the moment.
He's Liverpool's most important player of this era. Without him, they fight for top 4. When he was injured, the team couldn't get close to it's best.


Think his contract extension is sorted and he'll stay. That's why there's no discussions on it.
 
For all the talk about Salah & Trent potentially leaving - he has also been incredibly important this season now that he appears back to full fitness and close to peak form as a result. They'll find him similarly difficult to replace if he leaves... not sure what the discussion is around that and a new deal? Most of the attention seems to be focused on the other two at the moment.
He Will be missed more than the other two. Even if he signs a new contract. He's probably got another year max at the top level.
 
How dare you point out such a thing and at the same time question the ability of a player that would be at the same level as a Ledley King/Woodgate/Cahill if he played during the early 00s.
While I do criticize him, he's obviously very good. Easily our best defender since Jaap Stam and I personally rate him even slightly higher. He's not faultless though.

He's massively underappreciated in The Netherlands by the way. Might be because he bloomed late and never played for one of the big 3, so no one warmed to him or something.
 
While I do criticize him, he's obviously very good. Easily our best defender since Jaap Stam and I personally rate him even slightly higher. He's not faultless though.

He's massively underappreciated in The Netherlands by the way. Might be because he bloomed late and never played for one of the big 3, so no one warmed to him or something.
His pre ACL level is the best I’ve ever seen from a defender. Genuinely zero faults to his game in that period. He could genuinely do it all. Post ACL he’s got back to a really high level but he can still make mistakes that previously his attributes would bail him out of. He does concentrate far more now though. Hes not infallible anymore but over a season a few bad games are allowed. Especially when City aren’t at their best anymore.
 
For all the talk about Salah & Trent potentially leaving - he has also been incredibly important this season now that he appears back to full fitness and close to peak form as a result. They'll find him similarly difficult to replace if he leaves... not sure what the discussion is around that and a new deal? Most of the attention seems to be focused on the other two at the moment.
I reckon Salah and VVD will stay and Trent will dip.
 
His pre ACL level is the best I’ve ever seen from a defender. Genuinely zero faults to his game in that period. He could genuinely do it all. Post ACL he’s got back to a really high level but he can still make mistakes that previously his attributes would bail him out of. He does concentrate far more now though. Hes not infallible anymore but over a season a few bad games are allowed. Especially when City aren’t at their best anymore.
Pickford basically stole two seasons from him at his peak. The utter cvnt.
 
His pre ACL level is the best I’ve ever seen from a defender. Genuinely zero faults to his game in that period. He could genuinely do it all. Post ACL he’s got back to a really high level but he can still make mistakes that previously his attributes would bail him out of. He does concentrate far more now though. Hes not infallible anymore but over a season a few bad games are allowed. Especially when City aren’t at their best anymore.
I agree. He was just unreal in his prime. The most complete central defender I have seen alongside Nesta maybe. His influence on Liverpool was huge. He was the difference between a top 4 team and a team that challenged for PL and CL.

I don't rate players solely based on team trophies. I'd pick Van Dijk over Ramos or Pique anyday. The Spanish duo had glaring flaws in their game and never reached Prime Van Dijk level of dominance. Just because Madrid, Barca and Spain won everything, they get rated higher than other more deserving candidates like Van Dijk and Nesta, who were simply better defenders with no weaknesses.
 
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Unreal performance today. Totally schooled Haaland.
And everyone else. Made one utterly self inflicted mistake and got away with it, but my word. Always where the ball needed interception.
 
The man is a monster when in form. Rate his peak performances up there with any defender, past or present. You kind of knew Haaland will be locked.
 
I'm not a huge Van Dijk, but he was absolutely brilliant today.

Bit mad he didnt score that ball of the post. Wouldve made me a tidy sum..
 
And everyone else. Made one utterly self inflicted mistake and got away with it, but my word. Always where the ball needed interception.
Utterly dominant defensively and offensively, mostly cerebral but can turn up the visceral too.
This guy is just something else.
Playing him down against the oldies of EPL just because his late bloom is just comical.
 
I'm not a huge Van Dijk, but he was absolutely brilliant today.

Bit mad he didnt score that ball of the post. Wouldve made me a tidy sum..
None of us is a huge Van Dijk, there can only be one.