Sky Sports pundit says key Virgil van Dijk looks 'cumbersome and sluggish'

Charlie Nicholas thinks Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk hasn’t been as good as last year, but he has still enjoyed a wonderful campaign at Anfield. Van Dijk has been a strength in Liverpool’s team this term, but he has not always managed to totally impress Nicholas. “Has he been as good as last year? No. He looks cumbersome and sluggish at times, but his pace can rescue him,” Nicholas said. “He has pace and purpose on the ball, while having a great awareness of danger. He never jumps in and rarely dives in. If someone is really quick, they may have a chance, or if a player is tricky, they could send him the wrong way, but he stands up and asks them to do something, meaning the player would normally lay it off. He has an authority within the game. “Is he as good as what people think? Yes, he is that good. People are scared to test him. Little balls in behind can make him vulnerable, but who isn't? He is a leader and has such a response of being on the ball, whether it be 10 yards or 60. He is good in the air both in attack and defence, he has to be in the team of the season.” Van Dijk has recently committed his future to Liverpool, saying that he wants to become a legend at Anfield. Source: HITC

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