Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has sparked some serious debate after claiming that Virgil van Dijk’s solid season was the most ‘impressive’ campaign he’d seen by a defender ‘ever’.
Van Dijk has transformed Liverpool’s defence since his marquee arrival from Southampton. The Dutchman was integral in helping the Reds to two consecutive Champions League finals.
The 28-year-old finished second in the Ballon d’Or rankings last night. Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi was awarded the prestigious trophy for the sixth time in his career.
Take a look at what Klopp had to say on the Dutchman, courtesy of Telegraph reporter Chris Bascombe:
There’s no doubting that Van Dijk was formidable at the back last season, however these fans think that Klopp’s apparent claim that it was the ‘most impressive season ever’ from a defender is outlandish.
Over the last decade, the Dutchman’s solid season is certainly one of the best – he deserves credit for coming out on top after battling Messi over two legs.
Here’s how some football fans reacted to the Liverpool boss’ claim:
Italy legend Fabio Cannavaro was the last defender to win the award, the former Real Madrid and Juventus star received the honour in 2006 after captaining his country to a World Cup triumph.
Cannavaro also helped Juventus secure a Serie A title, although this was later stripped following an investigation into a widespread match-fixing scandal in Italy.
In your opinion, which defender has had the most dominant season ever? Cannavaro, Ramos, Pique, Maldini – or would you go back further and hail someone like Franz Beckenbauer?