If anyone wants to have a debate about the world’s best centre-back, they need only look at Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk – a colossus, a leader and someone we’re lucky to watch every week.
The captain’s performance was reflective of the scoreline against Tottenham. Dominant.
He set the scene early on with his no-nonsense approach with Richarlison, who could not see out the match and you can’t blame him as he was never getting past the big Dutchman.
Van Dijk was imperious all night long and capped off his night with a timely goal – from a corner no less! – and it was yet another reminder of what he offers this side and what we stand to lose.
Less of the contract saga though and more of his performance, which fans lauded after the 4-0 win that sent Liverpool to yet another Carabao Cup final…
My son just asked me what can you do to get past Virgil Van Dijk and I honestly couldn’t think of an answer…
He’s the best and getting even better.
— Jamie Holme (@JamieHolme) February 6, 2025
26 – Since making his Liverpool debut in January 2018, Virgil van Dijk has more goals in all competitions than any other Premier League defender (26). Colossus. pic.twitter.com/0T9KIPOoz8
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 6, 2025
Genuinely one of the best performances I’ve seen under Slot from us.
Nunez, Szobo, Salah, Bradley, Gravenberch, Van Dijk, Gakpo, even Macca, all fair candidates for MOTM
— ? (@c3scpistols) February 6, 2025
“Simply superb. From back to front we were far too good and utterly dominant. Difficult to pick out a player, but our captain IS the best centre-half of the Premier League era.”
– Redeye in TIA’s comments.
“What Virgil did to Richarlison within 5 minutes is what most of us would love to do. The proverbial reducer left the lad looking for a way out…”
– Speelautomaat in TIA’s comments.
I think it’s a little unfair to pick any individual out of a perfect team performance but my word, Virgin Van Dijk is the greatest ever. One little blip 1st half (that’s the moany side in me) aside. Simply magnificent. What a player, what a defender, what a leader.
— Sir Bob (@BobtheRed1) February 6, 2025
You will never see a better CB play for Liverpool for the rest of your days. Imperious.
— Green Scouser (@Green_Scouser) February 6, 2025
Konate and Van Dijk putting in that performance after the Saliba and Gabriel fiasco yesterday is just beautiful.
— Filly ?? (@FillyKris) February 6, 2025
I’m forever grateful that I got to witness Virgil Van Dijk play week in / out for my football club. Wow.
— Anthony ?? (@_triplebeam) February 6, 2025
And we’re going to Wembley!
Liverpool into the League Cup final yet again and no question over whether it is merited after they utterly demolished Tottenham. An opportunity for Arne Slot to get his first piece of silverware on board awaits at Wembley.
— David Lynch (@davidlynchlfc) February 6, 2025
Fairly sure Kelleher left the pitch about 20 minutes ago to make himself a Pot Noodle and nobody even noticed
— Paddy Power (@paddypower) February 6, 2025
“Was it ever in doubt – at this rate, everyone will want Arne to do the lottery for them.
The team managed that game to perfection – explosive when they needed to be without over exerting.
If you’re not feeling this season feels different, what have you been watching: this team has PLENTY of gas in the tank.
15th final, here we come Anfield south – this club loves trophies.” – Speelautomaat in TIA’s comments
“Liverpool are pretty good at footie aren’t they? Back to Anfield South where we should be and more than happy it will be against Newcastle. Too young to remember the 70s and 80s but this encounter will be a blast from the past and in hopes more finals come between us and Newcastle.
Spurs.. well it’s ze Tottenham way innit? Ange mate you are not suitable for the big boys league, what kind of tactics was he trying to put on show today? Absolute abysmal.” – JonnyCaramelo in TIA’s comments
Next time youse go mad at winning 1-0 in the first leg…. Remember your coming back to Anfield and this club is built for nights like these ? pic.twitter.com/ahD5gcf4IZ
— Chloe bloxam (@ChloeBloxam) February 6, 2025
Slot getting through tonight means every Liverpool manager bar Hodgson and Rodgers has got to a cup final since the 1950’s. Ridiculous consistency.
— bob (@Robbie_OR) February 6, 2025
It was hard to fathom what the transition between Jurgen Klopp and Arne Slot would be in the middle of the last year, but we’re living the dream right now with performances and results beyond expectation.
Liverpool are heading to Anfield South and Slot’s first chance at a trophy is the first one available, that does not happen by chance.
Van Dijk’s performance was special, just as this season has the potential to be.
Liverpool 4-0 Tottenham (4-1 agg)
