OPINION
On Merseyside, questioning the defensive abilities of Virgil Van Dijk is pretty much akin to heresy.
The Dutchman has transformed Liverpool’s backline into one of the most reliable and stingy defences in the country, and in the process has firmly established himself as a genuine Ballon d’Or contender.
Champions of Europe, a whisker away from a Premier League title last season, this is a club on the up, and alongside Alisson Becker, Van Dijk has become emblematic as a foundational part of that journey.
In fact, it is so rare to hear criticism of the defender that when you do, it’s strangely disconcerting.
Like listening to a song backwards or taking a bite out of cheese-string without peeling it, there’s something alien and unsettling about Van Dijk taking flak.
But Sky Sports pundit Charlie Nicholas has gone against the grain and done just that with his latest comments on the 6’4″ colossus [Whoscored].
Speaking to Sky about the Reds’ upcoming clash with Southampton, he said: “Virgil van Dijk still makes mistakes and is an elegant, beautiful footballer to watch, but he is expected to win headers and play how he does.”
Now, first and foremost, as far as attacks go, this is more of a tickle than a takedown, and Nicholas has been quick to praise the Dutchman for his immense style and composure.
But the fact that he is mentioning mistakes at all seems somewhat odd.
The Reds have conceded three goals in their first two matches of the new season, although that number could have been higher were it not for some lacklustre Norwich City finishing last Friday.
But by no means is Van Dijk the root of that relative frailty.
Against the Canaries he was as solid as ever, making three tackles, five interceptions, and three clearances, as per Whoscored.
In fact, it almost feels as if the 28-year-old is getting blamed for the issues, as minor as they are, purely because he is the poster boy of the Reds’ defence.
They say the captain goes down with the ship, but somebody needs to get Virgil to a lifeboat, because this shouldn’t be pinned on him.
