As the season’s end draws nearer for Liverpool, it’s time to start assessing the overall performance of individuals.
Although they’ve blown up their chances of winning multiple trophies over recent weeks, it’s by and large been a good year for the Reds.
It was admittedly a low base to start from, but most of the first-team squad have improved dramatically from last season.
One of those to show the biggest return to form has been captain Virgil van Dijk. Looking dangerously close to being past his best in 2022/23, Van Dijk was heavily criticised by just about everybody.
But the 32-year-old has come roaring back. Although Mohamed Salah could perhaps have been disappointed, Van Dijk was the only Liverpool player nominated for the Premier League’s Player of the Season award. And according to Reds legend Jamie Carragher, that was richly deserved.
What has Jamie Carragher said about Virgil van Dijk
Monday’s draw with Aston Villa was perhaps not the best showcase of Van Dijk’s excellent season.
The Dutchman was spotted showing off his leadership skills, cajoling and shouting at his teammates during the first-half. But as part of a defence that shipped two goals in the final 10 minutes of the game, he can’t be too pleased with his night’s work.
Nevertheless, speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Carragher touched on why he’s putting Van Dijk in his very own Team of the Season.
After naming the Netherlands skipper in a back three with Arsenal’s William Saliba and Gabriel, the pundit explained his thinking.
“I felt like I couldn’t leave out any of the back three, and I didn’t think there were any full-backs who really stood out at me,” Carragher began. “You’ve [Gary Neville] gone with [Destiny] Udogie, but their defensive record is really poor. What we’ve seen with Liverpool tonight, without Van Dijk they would be in the fight with Villa and Tottenham. He’s been that important.
“He’s basically played alongside a young lad in Quansah for half a season. He’s had three different partners, and even when I watch him against Haaland, I think he’s been back to his best and you couldn’t leave the other two out.”
Will Virgil van Dijk leave Liverpool
On a personal level, it has indeed been one of Van Dijk’s very best seasons at Liverpool. He has at times reached the level he did during 2018/19, where he almost beat Lionel Messi to the Ballon d’Or.
Heading into the summer on the back of such excellence, there shouldn’t be much doubt over Van Dijk’s future.
And yet, with a contract left to run just a year, doubt does remain over whether Liverpool’s No.4 will stay at Anfield.
At the moment, common consensus appears to be that Van Dijk will sign an extension to his contract. But with rumours abound over a possible move to Bayern Munich, Liverpool fans face a nervous wait.
As they prepare to say a final goodbye to Jurgen Klopp on Sunday, they’ll hope it isn’t a farewell to the captain as well. As Carragher rightly states, Virgil is still the best in the business.
