Liverpool 2023/24 Season Review: Virgil Van Dijk | OneFootball

Virgil van Dijk’s 2023/24 Season: A Solid Backbone for Liverpool

The Liverpool player of the season Virgil van Dijk, the towering Dutch centre-back, has once again proven his mettle in the heart of Liverpool’s defence during the 2023/24 season. As Liverpool navigated through domestic and European competitions, van Dijk’s performances were pivotal in maintaining the team’s competitive edge. This piece delves into the specifics of his contributions across all competitions, his standout moments, the occasional lows, and sets the stage for what’s next for this indomitable defender.

Headline Numbers

Throughout the 2023/24 season, van Dijk featured prominently in Liverpool’s lineup, marking his presence in all major competitions. Over the course of the Premier League, Europa League, EFL Cup, and FA Cup, van Dijk clocked up a substantial 3340 minutes across 48 matches. He contributed 4 goals and added 2 assists to his name, showcasing his threat during set-pieces and his ability to contribute to the team’s offensive plays.

Photo: IMAGO

His highest Whoscored.com rating came against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final, where he was instrumental in securing the cup, a testament to his defensive prowess and his ability to perform in high-stakes matches. Man of the match and with the stra time winner, his ability to read the game and dominate aerial duels came to the fore in this crucial encounter, highlighting his value in Liverpool’s squad. His aerial duel success is freakishly remarkable in all the right ways.

Biggest High

The season’s standout performance by van Dijk was undoubtedly in the aforementioned Carabao Cup final against Chelsea. His command over the defensive line and crucial interventions led Liverpool to a memorable victory. This match not only highlighted his defensive capabilities but also underscored his leadership on the pitch, rallying the team in crucial moments. Leading a number of kids against an expensively assembled Chelsea team, keeping a clean sheet and heading in a late extra time winner showcased the best if the Dutchman

Photo: IMAGO

Biggest Low

Conversely, van Dijk’s season wasn’t devoid of challenges. His lowest Whoscored.com rating occurred during a particularly tough Premier League match against Newcastle, where he saw a red card for a tackle on Isak and then for some reason was the only one who saw additional games for talking to John Brookes. The captain was made an example of, but in the cold light of day it was an understandable decision. There have been other low points but this is probably the standout.

Overall Season

Van Dijk’s overall impact throughout the season has been immense, solidifying his status as the lynchpin in Liverpool’s defensive strategy. His consistent performances will likely earn him the accolade of Liverpool’s Player of the Year, and he was named as a contender for the Player of the Season. Looking ahead, van Dijk’s focus will likely be on maintaining his physical fitness and continuing to refine his game intelligence, which are crucial for adapting to the evolving challenges of top-tier football. More importantly, a contract renewal with a year left is crucial for the club.

As Liverpool prepares for the next season under Arne Slot, van Dijk’s experience and defensive acumen will be invaluable. The club’s ambitions on both domestic and European fronts hinge significantly on his ability to marshal the defence and his readiness to mentor the younger players stepping up to the first team. A renewal is crucial as the Dutchman will be next season. He’s been the main man in this one.