Liverpool might have got nowhere the title in the end this season but Garth Crooks has still lauded one Red for his impact this year.
In the end, Jurgen Klopp’s final season in charge ended with just the one trophy, despite being in contention for four as little as a few months back.
Nevertheless, a trophy is a trophy and Liverpool’s players will be hoping to use that taste of success to build into next season under new manager, Arne Slot.
Of course, to usurp Arsenal and Man City, the Reds need everyone at their best, and more importantly, there big players to really perform.
And selecting his team of the season, BBC pundit Garth Crooks has lauded the performances of Virgil van Dijk.
Virgil van Dijk makes Garth Crooks’ team of the season
Including Van Dijk in his team of the season for the BBC, Crooks lauded the impact the defender has had this year again.
“To have selected only one Liverpool player for my team says it all really. Liverpool have not only let the title slip from their grasp, they have shown signs that the pressure was starting to get to them,” Crooks said.
“The departures of James Milner and Jordan Henderson cannot be quantified, but it was left to Virgil van Dijk to hold it all together.
“Gone are the days when the team used to pick itself. Neither can we be sure what impact the timing of Jurgen Klopp’s announcement, that he was leaving Anfield at the end of the season, had on the players.
“All of these were factors of Liverpool’s title failure, but they are back in the Champions League – and who can forget that heroic performance by Van Dijk in the League Cup final against Chelsea?”
Van Dijk has held Liverpool together
There is a valid argument to include Gabriel alongside William Saliba at the back and few would argue with those who do make that selection.
However, Van Dijk has been superb for the Reds all season long and the fact he’s had so many partners is a testament to his class.
Yes, the Reds have probably conceded too many goals but Van Dijk has had to partner up with Konate, Quansah, Matip and at times, others.
Put simply, the Dutchman is just a model of consistency and Liverpool do better when he’s involved.
It really is that simple.