Virgil van Dijk is undoubtedly one of the best centre-backs in football, but Jamie Carragher believes that aspiring defenders should not try to replicate his playing style. The former Liverpool defender argues that van Dijk’s exceptional natural talent sets him apart, making it impossible for most centre-backs to play in the same way.
“As a young centre-back, I wouldn’t base my game on Virgil van Dijk because he’s a freak of nature; he’s too good, if you understand what I mean,” Carragher said in an interview with The Tactical Times on Patreon.
Carragher added that van Dijk’s physical presence—his size, speed, strength, and composure on the ball—is something innate and can’t be taught. “Van Dijk could play with a cigar and still be fine,” he remarked.
Currently recovering from a knee injury, van Dijk is expected to be fit in time for the start of Liverpool’s pre-season.
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