“He still doesn’t do that thing” – Ian Wright highlights how ‘quick’ Liverpool star doesn’t always flaunt his pace

Arsenal legend Ian Wright believes that Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk does not utilize his pace much, which is one of his strong attributes. The former Gunners striker watched Virgil van Dijk live during Liverpool's recent game and was able to spot how quick the centre-back really is. Wright, however, noted that the Dutchman doesn't flaunt his pace.

Wright said on Wrighty’s House Podcast:

“It was really cool, I watched Virgil van Dijk live the other day. Watching him being as quick as he is, because he is quick, he’s lost hardly anything, being as quick as he is and he still doesn’t do that thing where he goes 'I'm quicker than him, so I’m fine.'"

"He’s still doing everything where he gets in and then if anything happens he’ll use his pace."

The 58-year-old went on to claim that opposition attackers will need more than just pace to beat the Liverpool defender. He also likened Van Dijk to Italian defensive powerhouse Fabio Cannavaro, another quick centre-back he clashed with during his playing days.

The Englishman said:

"He drops off, against Virgil with his pace you need more. When I played against Cannavaro who was the best, players like this aren’t looking at what you’re doing, they’re looking at what the midfielders are doing."

Virgil van Dijk has developed into one of the finest defenders in the world with his recent exploits at the back for Liverpool. The defender was instrumental in the Reds winning the 2018-19 UEFA Champions League and 2019-20 Premier League titles. The tall centre-back was adjudged the 'UEFA Men's Player of the Year' in 2019.

---

Virgil van Dijk continues his impressive performances with Liverpool this season

Virgil van Dijk is still making history at Anfield

Virgil van Dijk continues to set the standards for other defenders in world football with his incredible performances for Liverpool. Jurgen Klopp is once again relying on his brilliance to organize the defensive line and the center-back is doing a great job.

So far this season, Van Dijk has made 28 appearances for the Reds across all competitions, recording one goal and two assists. He has helped the club keep an impressive 15 clean sheets in those appearances. Thanks, in part, to his efforts at the heart of the defense, the Merseysiders have conceded just 19 goals in 23 Premier League games this season.

The Merseysiders play Burnley on Sunday (13 February) next and Van Dijk will hope to continue his excellent performance in the game.