Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool has been phenomenal this season, leading many to believe that he is performing at a level comparable to his former best.

Evidently, his zenith was reached in 2019 when he placed sixth in the Ballon d’Or, six ballots behind Lionel Messi. However, a protracted ACL injury sidelined him for the majority of the subsequent season, and some contend that he has not attained the same caliber of success as he did a few years ago.

Those levels from a few years ago were undeniably extraordinary, but his physique is neither as powerful nor as quick as it once was. Nevertheless, despite this, he remains an undeniably formidable opponent; in fact, he has modified his approach.

Last season, he struggled at times as specific wingers and strikers defeated him far more frequently than at any other point during his tenure with the club. However, this season has been exceptional.

He went 64 days without being dribbled past between 2018 and 2019, a record during which he easily thwarted a variety of assailants. According to WhoScored, Van Dijk is the only center-back among the 49 who have started five or more Premier League matches this season without having been passed by a dribble.In addition, he has achieved triumph in a total of 45 aerial duels, which ranks him third highest in the league behind Ethan Pinnock (Brentford) and Carlton Morris (Luton). However, his 82% success rate in the air is second only to Craig Dawson (Wolves) among the top 20 most aerial duels won. Without a doubt, he has been imperious.

It should come as no surprise that his strong performances have accompanied his team’s resurgence; the Dutchman’s defensive stability is vital to Liverpool’s success, and it enables teammates to freely express themselves with the assurance that he is prepared to thwart any attacks.

He ought to recuperate in Europe with Toulouse and Brentford prior to the international break before contributing to Liverpool’s successful conclusion at Anfield. On November 25, he will confront the formidable Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium; this will be his ultimate test, and given his current form, he will eagerly anticipate the challenge posed by Erling Haaland.

That statistic is without a doubt a reliable metric by which to assess his dominance on the field, and he is currently putting on quite an impressive display.