Micah Richards has given his verdict on Liverpool central defender Virgil van Dijk after watching him in action against Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea in the final of the Carabao Cup.
The former Manchester City star was hugely impressed by the display produced by Van Dijk.
So, what has Micah Richards said about Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk? Let’s take a look.
Micah Richards praises Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk vs Chelsea
Well, Liverpool beat Premier League rivals Chelsea 1-0 in the final of the Carabao Cup on Sunday evening.
One of the best players on the pitch was Virgil van Dijk. The Netherlands international centre-back found the back of the net in the 118th minute. It proved to be the only goal of the final.
Van Dijk had a goal disallowed in normal time. He was a rock at the back for Liverpool, who were the better team.
Former Manchester City star and BBC Sport pundit Micah Richards was hugely impressed by the 32-year-old and has raved about him.
Richards said on The Rest is Football podcast: “What’s so good about Van Dijk is, remember, was it last season he was coming off the back of a bad injury and a lot of the people were saying that the best days are behind him.
“I have had knee injuries, and it takes a long time to recover, and he is back into his flow. He admitted by his own standards dropped a little bit, but not at the level that people were talking about.
“For a centre-half, he is not just your blocks and your reading of the game, it’s how much you can command the people around you, and when he has got youngsters around him, in front of him, and I see one bit in the game when he was growling like a lion, like get back in position, do your job, and I just believe that to have a leader like that behind you is just inspirational. He is certainly one of the best centre-backs the Premier League has ever seen.”
My View: Virgil van Dijk is back to his best
In my opinion, Liverpool centre-back Virgil van Dijk is back to his best. I think that the Dutchman will play a big role for the Reds this season.
Liverpool have already won the Carabao Cup this season. The Merseyside club will now try to clinch the FA Cup, the Premier League and the UEFA Europa League.
I believe that Van Dijk will be key to Liverpool winning these competitions. He is a hugely experienced defender who is now at the top of his game and is back to his best.
The 32-year-old has scored two goals and given two assists in 24 Premier League matches for Liverpool this season.
