Liverpool centre-back Virgil van Dijk is known to be calm and composed when defending against opponents, but he took that to a whole new level against Southampton yesterday.
Under pressure from Saints winger Nathan Redmond with a ball lofted in behind him, the Dutchman casually flicked the ball with his right foot to James Milner to neutralise the attack:
Calm as you like…
Superb, @VirgilvDijk ? pic.twitter.com/OrUS4gDkqp
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) 18 August 2019
Needless to say, Reds fans on Twitter were waxing lyrical about van Dijk’s ability, with many tipping him to be this year’s Ballon d’Or winner:
That touch is something else ??
— Lerreno (@Lerreno) 18 August 2019
Can't wait to see Harry Maguire trying this, he'll probably score an own goal!!??
— Doozie (@BeDoozie) 18 August 2019
best defender in the world
— Vik⚜️ (@LFCVik) 18 August 2019
No one comes close
— Amy (@AmyLFC11) 18 August 2019
What a player!
— Jack (@jackhockey67) 18 August 2019
He didn't even look back. Absolute top class
— Ziggy (@Gerald_yea) 18 August 2019
That’s ridiculous ???
— Calum Hill (@calumdhill5) 18 August 2019
That was fantastic.
— Joe Doyle (@Rocket2010) 18 August 2019
#VVD @VirgilvDijk pic.twitter.com/Frek87M0G1
— Mr. Moaner (@Benji09640581) 18 August 2019
It wasn’t all plain sailing for Liverpool’s defence during the match against Southampton, with the Reds looking decidedly shaky at times.
However, considering the fact they had been in Istanbul for the Super Cup final just 48 hours earlier, the ability to go to St Mary’s and secure a 2-1 win does show some very strong mental fortitude.
Supporters will be hoping van Dijk continues to impress when Liverpool face Arsenal at Anfield next Saturday.