Top 10 footballers in the world right now

#4 Virgil van Dijk

Virgil Van Dijk

The signing of Virgil van Dijk has completely transformed the fortunes of Liverpool. Signed for a world record fee, the defender has repaid the faith that Liverpool showed him in by putting in accomplished performances every game and shoring up a leaky defence.

Van Dijk’s infectious calmness and composure has brought out the best of his partners. The Dutchman’s reading of the game is immaculate and he is always in the right position to intercept balls and stop the progress of the opposition. His brilliant positioning means he doesn’t have to slide into challenges rather he stays on his feet which gives him an added control while tackling.

The Liverpool man has made an impressive 1.2 interceptions and 5.1 clearances per game this season. For the past couple of years, Liverpool had suffered from the lack of a top quality center back and were an all or nothing team. They relied on their attacking brilliance and mantra of “You score three, we score four”.

But the signing of van Dijk completely changed that as he brought defensive solidarity and much-needed leadership and character. Van Dijk has played a huge part in Liverpool keeping 17 clean sheets this season thus turning them into title challengers. Van Dijk has arguably been of the best center backs in Europe and is rightly touted to be one of the names who could win the PFA player of the year.