Been wanting to highlight his start to the season and after reading these stats last night it deserves its own thread:
Van Dijk per game in 2019/20:
Aerial duel wins - 5
Dribbled past - 0.2
Tackles - 0.6
Interceptions - 1.1
Clearances - 4.3
Blocks - 0.4
Van Dijk per game in 2023/24 so far:
Aerial duel wins - 5
Dribbled past - 0.0
Tackles - 1.1
Interceptions - 1.9
Clearances - 5.7
Blocks - 1.3
I know some will point out that he's 32 and on the decline so he should be on the chopping block at some point. Yes, he has lost a few yards of his freakish pace thanks to getting older and the ACL injury. But he has been nothing but fantastic this season and back to his best. Still has more than enough pace to keep up with most forwards and his defending that has been top notch.
Have to say that he has also impressed as our captain so far. Very refreshing to hear his honest answers and he has set the bar high for everyone around him. Also seem to continue the tradition of creating an environment among the players that make every one happy and able to perform.
A new young LCB to rotate some games with him and who can fill in at left back has to be top of our list next summer for future planning. But I would have no issues with Virgil getting an contract extension.
Class is permanent and Virgil is one of the best CBs in the World. No doubt.
Van Dijk per game in 2019/20:
Aerial duel wins - 5
Dribbled past - 0.2
Tackles - 0.6
Interceptions - 1.1
Clearances - 4.3
Blocks - 0.4
Van Dijk per game in 2023/24 so far:
Aerial duel wins - 5
Dribbled past - 0.0
Tackles - 1.1
Interceptions - 1.9
Clearances - 5.7
Blocks - 1.3
I know some will point out that he's 32 and on the decline so he should be on the chopping block at some point. Yes, he has lost a few yards of his freakish pace thanks to getting older and the ACL injury. But he has been nothing but fantastic this season and back to his best. Still has more than enough pace to keep up with most forwards and his defending that has been top notch.
Have to say that he has also impressed as our captain so far. Very refreshing to hear his honest answers and he has set the bar high for everyone around him. Also seem to continue the tradition of creating an environment among the players that make every one happy and able to perform.
A new young LCB to rotate some games with him and who can fill in at left back has to be top of our list next summer for future planning. But I would have no issues with Virgil getting an contract extension.
Class is permanent and Virgil is one of the best CBs in the World. No doubt.