Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)

Virgil van Dijk is a Dutch footballer who plays as a center-back for Liverpool in the Premier League and for the Netherlands national team. Van Dijk is regarded as one of the top defenders in the world, with a reputation for power, leadership, and aerial prowess.

Van Dijk is a physically powerful right-footed center-back who normally plays on the left side of the central defense, though he can also play on the right. He has speed, solid skill, and a terrific eye for goal, and he is a good set-piece taker. Former Celtic colleague Kris Commons said of Van Dijk's skills that he was "easy on the ball," adding that "he had the terrific technique and a wonderful right foot." He had a knack for set-pieces, and some of the free-kicks he scored for Celtic are true masterpieces. He had a good understanding of the game. He had a confident demeanor about him as if he knew he was good."

Without Virgil van Dijk, Liverpool would not have won the Premier League in 2020. Not only did the Dutch defender's performance help Liverpool advance, but his influence on the field helped the team as a whole over time.

Since arriving from Southampton in 2018, Van Dijk has played a major role in all of Liverpool's improved moves under Jurgen Klopp. He's done it on both the domestic and international fronts, Europe, and particularly the Netherlands, will be hoping that the 29-year-old fits in. qualified for the 2020 Euros.

Awards:

• UEFA Men's Player of the Year: 2018-2019
• FIFA FIFPro World11: 2019, 2020