Virgil van Dijk: Liverpool defender ‘best centre-back in the world’, team-mate Andy Robertson says

Virgil van Dijk: Liverpool defender ‘best centre-back in the world’, team-mate Andy Robertson says
Virgil van Dijk would be crowned Player of the Year if the award was handed out right now as he is ‘the best centre-back in the world’, according to Liverpool team-mate Andy Robertson.Van Dijk, who became the world’s most expensive defender when moving to Anfield in 2018, arguably leads the race for the accolade ahead of other contenders such as Sergio Aguero and Fernandinho of Manchester City, as well as Tottenham’s Heung-Min Son.GETTY3

Van Dijk is enjoying a fine season at the heart of Liverpool’s defence

Since the Professional Footballers’ Association brought in its awards in 1974 a defender has won the main prize only five times, with John Terry the last to do so 14 years ago.But Van Dijk has been the key component in Liverpool’s title challenge, helping the Reds keep a league-leading 16 clean sheets this season, and Robertson offered some insight into why.“If the season ended tonight, I would give him it personally,” said the Scotland captain who is similarly enjoying a fine season in Liverpool’s back-line.3

John Terry was the most recent defender to be named PFA Players’ Player of the Year

“There’s still 10 games to go and somebody can step up from another team but Virgil can take it to a whole new level, I reckon.“The attacking players are usually in the running because they take all the goals and the headlines but this season Virgil has been fantastic and he’s getting all the plaudits that he deserved.“I don’t think he’ll be focusing on that, he’ll be focusing on the team. It’s always nice to get end-of-season awards and I’m sure he’ll be in the running. It will be close if he doesn’t win it.“He’s so consistent as well. If he puts the performances as he has done, there’s no reason why he shouldn’t have that trophy. “He makes my life easier, that’s for sure. To have him next to me it makes everything so much easier.“When somebody is running at you and you know Virgil is inside – he’s rarely out of position, if ever.“For me, he’s the best centre-back just now in the world. That’s the way he’s playing and the confidence he’s got – and he’s still young enough that he can get even better.”Van Dijk continued his superb campaign by scoring twice in Liverpool’s midweek demolition of Watford, though his tally of only four goals in 56 appearances for the Reds is a surprise given just how dominant the Netherlands international is in his own penalty area.“He works hard every day,” Robertson continued. “Probably the only disappointment for him is that he hasn’t chipped in with enough goals.3

Van Dijk netted a brace as Watford were routed 5-0

“For the size of him he’s a threat in both boxes and he scored two fantastic headers but more importantly defensively he was sound.“Him and Joel Matip did fantastically to keep the clean sheet because they [Watford] hit us on the counter-attack a few times and those two mopped up – a tough task against Troy Deeney.“Not many people bully him but I thought Virgil dominated him all game.”

---

Crystal Palace have emerged as contenders to sign Roma striker Patrick Schick in January, according to reports in Italy. The 22-year-old Czech Republic striker has found his opportunities limited in Rome so far this season, with former Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko preferred up front.
Crystal Palace show interest in £36million Patrik Schick who
bigwnews.com/sport/crystal-palace-show-interest-in-36million-patrik-schick-who-would-bring-stunning-girlfriend-and-sister-to-premier-league/
Schick is known in Italy for being surrounded by beautiful women and he could soon be bringing them to the Premier League if he were to join Crystal Palace. He dates Hana Behounkova who regularly posts glamorous images from her travels around the world. In addition, Schick's sister Kristyna is a model with over 100,000 followers on Instagram.
Everton make contact with AS Roma over Patrik Schick move

---

Leicester City 0-2 Tottenham Hotspur: Spurs gear up for Barcelona with comfortable win at the King Power Stadium Mauricio Pochettino's men will now turn their attention to facing Barca at the Nou
Leicester City 0-2 Tottenham Hotspur: Spurs gear up for
hollywoodadviser.com/leicester-city-0-2-tottenham-hotspur-spurs-gear-up-for-barcelona-with-comfortable-win-at-the-king-power-stadium/
READY FOR BARCA Mauricio Pochettino's men will now turn their attention to facing Barca at the Nou Camp in a crucial Champions League clash Tottenham Hotspur produced a clinical performance to defeat Leicester City 2-0 at the King Power Stadium on Saturday night.
Spurs gear up for Barcelona with comfortable win at the King

---

Wolves captain Conor Coady desperate to make history with FA Cup success. Raul Jimenez hungry for FA Cup glory after Wolves complete set against Big Six; But Coady added: "That's the
Raul Jimenez: Wolves are 'fighting for our dream' in FA Cup

---

Tottenham are sweating on the availability of Jan Vertonghen and Harry Winks ahead of Saturday's north London derby against Arsenal. Both men are set to have late fitness tests on have hip injuries. Vertonghen's was picked up in the build-up to Wednesday's defeat to Chelsea, where Winks sustained a similar problem.
Tottenham injury news: Harry Winks and Jan Vertonghen

---

Nov 10, 2018 · The first leg of the eagerly anticipated Copa Libertadores final between bitter rivals Boca Juniors and River Plate at La Bombonera on Saturday has been postponed due to heavy rain and an
Boca Juniors v River Plate: Match postponed because of heavy rain

---

Leicester City transfer news: Brendan Rodgers hints at permanent move for Monaco midfielder Youri Tielemans The 21-year-old is on loan from Monaco and has impressed with the Foxes scoring once and
Leicester City keen to sign Monaco midfielder Youri Tielemans

---

The NFL and its players have reportedly reached a tentative agreement on a proposal to partner together in an effort to promote social justice. According to the Washington Post's

---

Clarke Carlisle calls for Gordon Taylor to quit PFA despite admitting he'd be dead without his help Ex-chairman accused under-fire Taylor of a lack of "transparent governance" and is now backing
Clarke Carlisle calls for Gordon Taylor to quit PFA despite

---

Jaap Stam says it's 'easy' for David Moyes to say Manchester United have not progressed since his departure in 2014. Moyes was sacked in his first season in charge of the Red Devils and have gone through three managers in the five years since then.

---

Tottenham Hotspur news: Moussa Sissoko compares Harry Winks

---

Callum Hudson-Odoi: England U21 boss Aidy Boothroyd admits Chelsea starlet may now STAY in senior Three Lions squad Young Lions boss is uncertain if the 18-year-old will ever return to the U21
~ Callum Hudson-Odoi: England U21 boss Aidy Boothroyd admits

---

CHRIS SUTTON: Plenty of fascinating ties have been thrown up in the last-16 of the Champions League with three Premier League sides facing tests against Bundesliga opposition.
Jose Mourinho's dilemmas ahead of Manchester United's crunch

---