Former Everton defender Conor Coady recently selected Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk for his ‘physicality’ and ‘composure’ while assembling his ultimate center-back.
However, the Leicester City man acknowledged that the Netherlands international could easily be chosen for every single attribute of a good defender. Speaking to Premier League productions, Coady said (via HITC):
“I think this one was quite easy, a lot of people would say the same with Virgil van Dijk. I think Virgil van Dijk would probably go in them all.” “But I think the size of him and how he defends – just the strength to move people off the ball. The composure he has. The leadership he has. Everything he has got, he plays football at the highest level.”
He added:
“A fantastic defender. What he has done for Liverpool in the last few years, I think it’s been incredible. The physicality he has in the game.
You can see it. A brilliant defender and I think he was the right one to put into there.”
The 32-year-old remains an integral part of Jürgen Klopp’s squad, making 28 appearances across competitions this season, with two goals and assists each.
Overall, he has featured in 250 matches for Liverpool, scoring 21 goals and assisting 14. Van Dijk clinched the UEFA Champions League in 2019 and the Premier League a year later, among other honors at Anfield.
He could potentially add another English top-flight success to his cabinet this season, with the Reds currently topping the standings, two points clear of second-placed Arsenal.
