According to Jamie Carragher, Liverpool’s renewed form cannot be attributed to their purchase of four midfielders, Trent Alexander-Arnold’s resurgence, or their system switch. Instead, Carragher believes that Virgil van Dijk is the “biggest contributing factor” to their improved results. Liverpool currently has the best defensive record in the Premier League, conceding only 18 goals, which is two less than any other team. Van Dijk has played in every league game this season, except for the two when he was suspended. Carragher, a former centre-back, praised Van Dijk’s impact on the team, saying that he is widely considered the best defender of his generation. Although he had a dip in form during the 2022/23 season, Van Dijk’s performances have been phenomenal since joining Liverpool. Carragher pointed out that Liverpool conceded 42 goals when Van Dijk was out with an ACL injury in the 2020/21 season, and the team only managed 69 points in total. However, when he returned, Liverpool almost won the quadruple in the next campaign. Carragher emphasized Van Dijk’s importance to the team, stating that he has lost just one of his 89 Premier League games played at Anfield since arriving in 2018, and this season, he is yet to be dribbled past in the league. Carragher summed up by saying that Van Dijk can take on any striker physically, winning headers, strength-wise, pace-wise, and that he is back to his best.
Jamie Carragher names the biggest factor in Liverpool turnaround.
Liverpool are 16 points better off than they were at this stage last season, and Jamie Carragher named the biggest factor in the turnaround.
