Micah Richards spoke on The Monday Night Club on BBC 5 Live Sport yesterday and explained how watching Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk live against Manchester City blew him away.
The Reds faced the defending Premier League champions in what was viewed by many as the title-decider. City game in strong and were comfortably the better side in the first half of the game.
Liverpool got back in the second half and the game ended 2-2. It was far from the Reds’ best performance on Sunday, but one player who looked as good as ever was van Dijk.
The Dutchman, despite being constantly threatened by City’s attackers while keeping a high line, stayed calm and dealt with danger fairly comfortably.
Micah Richards blown away by Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk
The BBC pundit said last night: “Van Dijk! Van Dijk just gets back into position so early.
“He’s always in the right position. Matip goes on his mazy runs and for some reason, van Dijk’s just there.
“Watching van Dijk live, honestly, he is something else! How he gets into position, he just sort of just strolls like a Rolls-Royce into position.
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“He’s never sweating, he’s never got a sweat on his face. Honestly, what a performance, just watching him and his positioning and playing the high line, wow, what a player!
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Van Dijk’s physical prowess and his composure often get all the plaudits but his reading of the game and positioning is what makes him the best defender in the world.
Liverpool could’ve easily conceded one or two more goals if van Dijk wasn’t where he was supposed to be. The Dutchman kept his side in the game and played a massive part in helping them pick up a point.
There are seven games left to play this season and Liverpool are a point behind the leaders. This feels eerily similar to the 2018/19 season, but there’s no Vincent Kompany to score a late screamer for City this time, which could help Jurgen Klopp’s side get over the line.
