The statistics demonstrate that Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk remains unparalleled in aerial dominance, boasting an unmatched success rate in aerial duels.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk asserts his aerial dominance, continuing to stand out as an unyielding force in the game. The 32-year-old continues to build upon his global reputation as one of the best centre-backs of this generation.
The Netherlands captain helped his club register a Premier League boxing day 0-2 victory against Burnley at Turf Moor. Under the leadership of Van Dijk, the Reds have rejuvenated after last season’s struggles, currently challenging for every trophy.
Many naysayers downplayed Van Dijk after he returned from a serious ACL injury in the 2019-20 season. The Dutchman’s struggle coincided with a struggling Liverpool side that aged past their prime years.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp revamped the squad while giving the armband to Van Dijk to lead his new squad. The 32-year-old has not disappointed the manager’s faith in him as the new skipper looks like his former self.
Stats-based website Squawka (h/t X) stated that Van Dijk has the highest aerial duel win rate in the Premier League. The 32-year-old has an 81.8% aerial duel win rate this season for the players who contested 25 plus aerial duels.
The Dutchman has won the most aerial duels in the Premier League with 81 in total so far. Since 2016/17, Van Dijk’s current season record is the highest aerial duel win rate for players who contested 50-plus duels. The 32-year-old has made the list three times in the top six for the highest aerial duel win percentages.
Highest aerial duel success in a PL season since 2016/17 (50+ contested):
— Squawka (@Squawka) December 26, 2023
◉ 81.8% – Virgil van Dijk (23/24)
◎ 78.2% – Harry Maguire (18/19)
◎ 77.9% – Kurt Zouma (17/18)
◉ 77.5% – Virgil van Dijk (21/22)
◎ 76.4% – Marouane Fellaini (16/17)
◉ 76.1% – Virgil van Dijk (21/22) https://t.co/sSyeYLAi9G
Van Dijk has played a pivotal role in Liverpool’s defence, conceding 16 goals in the Premier League, joint-least with Arsenal. The Reds are yet to hit their peak, conceding first in many games, a habit they need to lose soon.
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Van Dijk has a crucial role to play if Liverpool wants to end the season with trophies. The 32-year-old has already built a great legacy at the club yet there’s plenty he can still achieve as captain.
