Is struggling Van Dijk still the best defender in the world?

Cameron Smith

• 9 Nov 2021 15:58 GMT
• 4 min read

Virgil van Dijk has been considered as the best centre-back in the world for several years now, with his tall frame and ability on the ball helping Liverpool to a Champions League final in his first six months, a Champions League trophy the following year, and a maiden Premier League crown 12 months later.

The Dutchman has been a stalwart at the back, and has been vital to Jurgen Klopp's success.

So, it's perhaps no surprise that with Van Dijk out injured last season, Liverpool struggled.

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Of course, the injury issues suffered to both Joel Matip and Joe Gomez also massively hindered the Reds, but Van Dijk was the major problem.

Without him in the backline, leadership was missing, as well as a composure on the ball that sees him often float passes in behind opposition's defences with consummate ease. Liverpool were easier to press, and the back four was leaky.

This season, Van Dijk is back, and it's made an impact. Although Nathaniel Phillips did his best as a replacement, his talent level is far inferior to the Dutchman's, and this year Liverpool look more like their 2019/20 selves than their 2020/21 selves.

But, that's not to say Van Dijk has been perfect, because he hasn't. In fact, he's been a little shaky at times.

Now, he's not a weakness, far from it, but he has struggled to replicate the form that saw him come second only to Lionel Messi in the 2019 Ballon d'Or.

Van Dijk took the crown of 'best centre-half in the world' from the likes of Sergio Ramos, but this year, he hasn't quite deserved it.

His partner at the back, Joel Matip, has arguably been better, while Van Dijk's performances haven't been up to par.

Against West Ham, Liverpool conceded three goals, something that's almost unheard of with Van Dijk at the back. However, returning from an ACL injury is never easy, so it's perhaps unfair to criticise the Dutchman too heavily. After all, he may be struggling compared to his usual level, but that level is so high, it's hard to maintain.

Former Manchester United centre-back Rio Ferdinand discussed Van Dijk on his FIVE YouTube channel, and spoke about the legacy his career will leave.

What has Ferdinand said?

"It's who stands the length of time as well, if you could do it over a period of time," Ferdinand began.

"There's no doubt in my mind Virgil's best year would stack up against most centre-backs, but you don't get judged on that best year, you get judged over that period of time.

"I think you've got to think you're the guy, you've got to think you're the best... and I think Virgil, he's the best centre-back in the world.

"Yes there's going to be teething problems, that's going to happen because he's been out for so long and he's just getting his feet wet again, but I still believe if there's a game right now today and I need a centre back, my first centre back on the list would be him."

In terms of goals conceded, Liverpool currently sit third in the Premier League, but the gap between themselves and Chelsea and Manchester City is fairly sizable.

Man City have conceded six from their opening 11 games, while Chelsea have only let in four. Liverpool only the other hand are on 11 - nearly double City's and nearly triple Chelsea's. That's worrying, especially as they mount a title charge again.

Comparing his stats from 2019/20 to this year, Van Dijk has clearly taken a step back in regards to his work on the ball

He is completing 10 passes per 90 less, and over 1.0 progressive pass per 90 less. His defensive work is still individually outstanding (he's been dribbled past just once so far in the Premier League this season), but as a unit, Liverpool haven't been as impressive.

That's not all his fault at all, and he is still among the very best, but the injury has clearly taken a toll on Van Dijk.

Chelsea's back three of Andreas Christensen, Thiago Silva, and Antonio Rudiger certainly run him a close race now, as well as the usual candidates such as David Alaba.

Van Dijk is still dominant in the air, and in ground duels, but he has a slight tendency to switch off, and it's cost Liverpool this season.

To say he's struggling is a slight exaggeration, but Van Dijk isn't as composed as two years ago, but given time he'll no doubt return to that insane level.