OPINION
There isn’t a lot that Virgil Van Dijk hasn’t achieved since he joined Liverpool from Southampton.
The Dutch enforcer has turned the Reds’ defence into one of the best in the world after many years of much fragility which stopped them from ever taking the next step forward.
With the help of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson, Jurgen Klopp has found the perfect blend of defenders who don’t only keep it solid at the back but can also push forward and add another goal threat for his side.
Van Dijk has been widely tipped to be the first defender to win the Ballon d’Or since Fabio Cannavaro – with the Holland international playing a pivotal role in the Reds’ Champions League success in the previous two seasons.
Chelsea attacker Pedro has recently revealed in a pre-match press conference his admiration for Van Dijk and compared him to his Spain international teammate and Real Madrid stalwart Sergio Ramos – a comparison the Liverpool man definitely deserves.
“They are very good central defenders, probably at this time at the top. Sergio Ramos is very good. I know him very well: great defender, great with the ball. Van Dijk is also the same: so strong, very good in the air, scores goals. Two big players.”
Pedro is definitely right to compare the two defenders as two of the best in the world, but Van Dijk could certainly push past Ramos in years to come – especially with his added physical presence.
Comparing the two via WhoScored, it is clear to see that the two enforcers have different ways of defending for their sides.
Van Dijk is definitely more tactically aware than Ramos and definitely puts himself in better positions to make a positive impact for his side at the back.
As well as achieving a much higher average match rating, the 28-year-old also averaged more clearances, as well as winning more offsides and giving away significantly fewer fouls.
The defining stat is the fact that Van Dijk was not dribbled past once last season, whereas Ramos was actually beaten more than once every two games – with the Dutchman surely establishing himself as one of the best in the world.
Liverpool fans will surely have a bone to pick with Pedro based on these stats, with Van Dijk ready to eclipse Ramos in the defensive world.
