Liverpool were held to a 0-0 draw at Goodison Park in a frustrating Merseyside derby. The result meant that Manchester City remained on top of the Premier League, one point ahead of Jurgen Klopp’s men.
The hosts looked dangerous in possession with the likes of Bernard and Sigurdsson causing problems to the Liverpool defense.
The Toffees would’ve scored on any other day but the presence of a defensive rock in the name of Virgil van Dijk kept them out.
The Dutchman’s defensive numbers were out of this world and proved to the world that the money Jurgen Klopp’s side paid for him is worth every penny.
Van Dijk won 100% of his tackles, boasted of 86% pass completion rate, made 13 clearances, won 9 aerial duels, intercepted 3 passes and top it off, had a shot at goal too.
The former Celtic and Southampton man’s performances were lauded all over social media by fans and rivals alike and here are a few Twitter reactions from after the game.
Player of the year is Van dijk. I’d go Hazard 2nd Bernardo 3rd Sterling 4th.
— Elias (@Everymonday6) March 4, 2019
Van Dijk hasnt put a foot wrong all season. Genuinely insane defender. Potential to be top 5 CBs of all time.
— Basel Mohab (@GoonerBasel) March 4, 2019
shame van dijk didn't spend his childhood in London, Barcelona, Madrid, Milan. would've retired as the best defender of all time
— I'm not broke, I'm just a broken-hearted man (@xGoalanke) March 4, 2019
Virgil van Dijk is too passionate about Liverpool to even think of moving somewhere else. He's one of our own now.
— ynwa (@arxbdeek) March 4, 2019
The best player in the league is named Virgil Van Dijk
— The Robbo Way (@RobboTHErunner_) March 4, 2019
I mean who's gonna score against a Van Dijk-Varane CB partnership
— Ashvin Raj (@Ashvin11LFC) March 4, 2019