Yet, Van Dijk’s most important work comes in both boxes. Early in his Liverpool career, he went 64 matches in a row without an opponent dribbling past him. These days beating the Dutchman is not quite so rare, though it has only happened five times in his past 26 league appearances.
At the other end, he is a potent threat from corners, as Atletico Madrid discovered. Only three players have registered more headed attempts at goal in this season’s Premier League, all of whom are centre-forwards.
Van Dijk will be a week shy of his 36th birthday by the time his current contact expires, which begs the question how long he can maintain this level of performance – and how can Liverpool extend his shelf life?
The defender said in 2023 that the increasingly busy football calendar threatens the welfare of elite players, external, and his minutes will have to be managed sensibly during the autumn of his career.
He has started more than 40 league games in all but one of his seven full seasons at Anfield and when Liverpool do eventually replace Van Dijk it is likely to be costly and difficult.
Until then, supporters should continue to enjoy watching him while they can.
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