Using throwaway statements like "class is permanent" when he's had several dips in form, some lasting entire seasons, like he's some kind of infalible player, is way more hilarious than the people "blaming Liverpool's defensive troubles" on him. And yes he's been a big factor (amongst other reasons) of their defensive frailties this season.
Van Dijk revisited
- Thread starter Pexbo
- Start date
His greatest strength is blaming teammates when he makes a mistake. If he was up against prime Henry, RvN, Drogba etc, he wouldn’t be close in the conversation of best CBs.
Think the way top ex pros sneer at the current level of defending in the league tells you all you need to know. Hes probably the best defender (still debatable) in the worst era of defenders. Wouldn't get near the starting lineup of a top team in the 90s or 00s.
Harsh to say he has been awful. He has been solid enough. He just isnt world class like Allison in 1 v 1.
He was a phenomenal defender at peak of his powers, imo he got robbed off winning the Ballon d'Or in 2019, deserved to win it that year with the season he had, think he fell short by 7 points. But, he has never been able to replicate that level ever again, he has still been pretty good, but these shouts of "best defender ever", "best PL defender ever" are very strange to me especially when you consider how many incredible defenders have played this game, and have done it a club, international level for well over a decade, some two (such as Maldini).
He has declined and the system they are playing this season is leaving him and his CB partner extremely exposed. Yesterday was sheer frustration from him to give away that penalty and cost them a result. Will go down in pantheon of great PL CBs, but the unequivocal status quo which many were building was more on hope than reality.
He has declined and the system they are playing this season is leaving him and his CB partner extremely exposed. Yesterday was sheer frustration from him to give away that penalty and cost them a result. Will go down in pantheon of great PL CBs, but the unequivocal status quo which many were building was more on hope than reality.
His attitude on the pitch has been appauling though, something I've never seen from him before. He's berating team mates, waving his hands around, giving me serious Bruno vibes when its not going well. Doesn't give a good look and doesn't inspire confidence that he's the guy to lift the teams spirits and the new players. His attitude isn't exactly gonna help Kerkez confidence and help him adapt to playing for you guys.
It’s like VVD thinks he’s above football as if he doesn’t need to put in the effort. The way he jogs instead of sprinting, and constantly blames everyone around him for his own mistakes, is getting ridiculous.
He was clearly at fault for Mbeumo’s goal when he decided he was too good to run, leaving it all to Konate. Same story yesterday for Schade’s goal, yes, it was a great through ball that caught Konate out, but if you watch Virgil, he’s just jogging again. Konate’s busting a gut to recover while VVD looks like he couldn’t care less.
Then to top it off, he gives away a stupid penalty. Long may it continue it’s great to see an arrogant player finally being punished. Even better when it’s a Liverpool player.
He was clearly at fault for Mbeumo’s goal when he decided he was too good to run, leaving it all to Konate. Same story yesterday for Schade’s goal, yes, it was a great through ball that caught Konate out, but if you watch Virgil, he’s just jogging again. Konate’s busting a gut to recover while VVD looks like he couldn’t care less.
Then to top it off, he gives away a stupid penalty. Long may it continue it’s great to see an arrogant player finally being punished. Even better when it’s a Liverpool player.
Called Rooney out and responded to his criticism to his face in the post match interview. Things got really awkward between the two.
Can't find the full clip but this was the main part.
This, in his prime he was absolutely dominant, I dont think you can compare the VVD of now to the VVD of 6 years ago.
I almost felt bad for Rooney there but then again it’s what you get for lazy punditry.
Ooooooh. You could cut the tension with a knife
I think they definitely ought to have replaced Van Dijk by now though. But it’s often the case that people who’ve done great things for a club are allowed to keep going under the wheels basically come off.
If Van Dijk was our biggest problem in defence we'd be absolutely grand at the back. He's been a one-man defence for much of the season.Ooooooh. You could cut the tension with a knife
I think they definitely ought to have replaced Van Dijk by now though. But it’s often the case that people who’ve done great things for a club are allowed to keep going under the wheels basically come off.
Time to replace him with Micky van de Ven in Orange anyway.
God you lot get so excited about the most mild stuff sometimes. It wasn't tense at all, just a grown up conversation.
That’s what I thought, neither one of them was awkward there, it wasn’t tense either.
VVD is arrogant and can’t take any criticism or responsibility. Weak man.
One of the most arrogant footballers in recent memory. Obviously a good player (although overrated by many), but his personality really isn't great.
Hasn't been helped by cheerleaders in the media who have been hyping him up as the best PL player ever and should have won the Balon d'Or pedigree.
The only awkward thing about it was that Van Dijk couldn't make eye contact with Rooney during any of the segment.
He must be a nightmare to interview. Every interview I've seen he looks incredibly standoffish and even snide.
Yeah he's a prick.
Why feel sorry for him? He’s one of the few pundits that’s prepared to give an honest appraisal of a player like Van Dijk and was happy to stand by his opinion. Van Dijk can act as aloof as he wants. Rooney has about four times as many mainly trophies and was an infinitely better footballer. I doubt he’s worried about Van Dijk getting bitter in a TV interview with him.
Comical defending. Sticking a leg out like that half arsed.
School yard stuff.
School yard stuff.
The guy is just not a very good defender when his team are on the back foot. He's great at heading, passing and running alongside people, but shocking at defending the box.
Best defender that's ever existed lad.
Looking an even bigger twat after his stuff with Rooney on Tues.
Goal disallowed for Liverpool and then helps City score at the other end. Guy is having a 'mare.
It’s such a strange movement to make.
He was far enough away from the shot to have moved his feet. But he sort of leant into it.
He was far enough away from the shot to have moved his feet. But he sort of leant into it.
To be fair to Van Dick, the likes of Rio, Vidic, Lionheart, and Kompany didn't score many goals like that.
VVD has been worse this season than Maguire was during his worst period at United where he was meme'd incessantly.
Arrogant prick, couldn't happen to a nicer fecker. Hope Rooney rubs it in a bit, you know if the shoe was on the other foot they'd have a field day.
I almost feel bad for VVD now. There but then again it’s what you get for lazy defending.
Lindelof with a man bun.
There was a hilarious moment just after half time where he had to actually get down and make a tackle on Haaland, he got up and looked disgusted wiping his shorts. How dare his majesty have to get down and make a tackle.
Rooney should retweet the interview…
1 million percent that’s his mentality. I think he’s always tried to model his game on Rio and or Maldini where if he had to make a challenge he has failed. He’s not as good as either of them. Someone above here said it best. He’s Lindelof with a man bun
Leave the football before the football leaves you.
Agent Rooney with the mind games to put him off-focus! Genius from our little scouse bastard.