Liverpool boss Arne Slot expressed his surprise at Virgil van Dijk’s exceptional performance this season.
At the age of 33, Van Dijk has bounced back from his ACL injury and has led Liverpool to a dominant position in the Premier League, showcasing the form that made him one of the top defenders in the league’s history during his earlier days at Liverpool.
Slot, a fellow Dutchman, admitted that he had not always viewed Van Dijk in the same light due to their time together in the Netherlands national team, but he now understands the hype surrounding the defender.
“In England, everyone would tell you that Virgil van Dijk is the best defender in the world,” Slot stated. “In the Netherlands, he faced more criticism than he does here in England.”
“I was pleasantly surprised by his skill on the ball and his ability to play through the lines. It was immediately clear to me that he was on another level. But in England, this was nothing new.”
Slot revealed that he, like many others, did not anticipate Liverpool’s current success under his management. The team is leading the Champions League table and holds a six-point lead over Arsenal in the Premier League, despite playing fewer games.
“After 20 games, no one expected us to have this many points or be at the top with such a margin,” he added. “It’s a pleasant surprise, but no one foresaw this level of success. I certainly didn’t expect City to struggle as they have.”
Regarding Van Dijk’s future, his contract with Liverpool is set to expire at the end of the season, leaving uncertainty about his next move.
“I don’t know how many more games I’ll play for Liverpool,” Van Dijk recently commented. “I hope to finish the season strong, but beyond that, it’s unclear what the future holds.”
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