Van Dijk is rated by many football fans as the best defender in the world by many football fans in the world because when he was signed the Liverpool's defense became better. Many people attribute the collective effort of the players to become better as Vigil Van Dijk's influence.
However, I am not of what school of thought. I think, the team was in a building process and Van Dijk was the last defender signed to complete the Unit. One cannot take away the efforts Trent Alexander Arnold, Robertson, and even Joe Gomez have put into the team to make it better. These guys are as important as Vigil in the defense. This isn't taking away the fact that Holland captain is a world-class defender. He is a very good defender but not in the league that many England pundits want you to believe.
Another highly-rated defender in England is Harry Maguire. The Manchester United captain was also signed to put a plug in the leaky defense of the red devil's and he has done that also. Manchester United have conceded only 35 goals in the English premier league.
Without using sentiment let's see the 2010/2020 EPL stats that reveal who the best defender really is.
1. Blocks.
Harry Maguire has made 18 blocks this season while van Dijk has made 15 blocks.
2. Interception Tackles.
Harry Maguire has made 66 interceptions while Vigil Van Dijk has made 39
3. Tackles won.
Van Dijk has made 12 completed Tackles while Maguire has 21.
4. Headed clearance.
Maguire has made 92 headed clearance as against 80 of Van Dijk.
5. Errors Leading to Goal.
Van Dijk has made 1 direct error which led to a goal while Harry Maguire Haven't.
6. Goals scored.
Van Dijk has scored 4 goals this season while Maguire has 3 goals.
7. Dribbles attempted.
Harry has attempt 21 dribbles while Van Dijk 12.
Content created and supplied by: sports247 (via Opera News )
COMMENTS