Liverpool did not win the title this season, but Garth Crooks has praised one player for his significant impact this year.
Jurgen Klopp’s final season as Liverpool manager concluded with only one trophy, despite the team being in contention for four trophies just a few months ago.
Regardless, winning any trophy is an achievement, and Liverpool’s players hope to build on that success for the next season under new manager Arne Slot.
To challenge Arsenal and Manchester City, Liverpool need all players at their best, particularly their key players.
In his team of the season selection, BBC pundit Garth Crooks highlighted the impressive performances of Virgil van Dijk.
Virgil van Dijk Makes Garth Crooks’ Team of the Season
In his BBC team of the season, Crooks praised Van Dijk for his significant impact once again this year.
“To have selected only one Liverpool player for my team says it all really. Liverpool have not only let the title slip from their grasp, they have shown signs that the pressure was starting to get to them,” Crooks said.
“The departures of James Milner and Jordan Henderson cannot be quantified, but it was left to Virgil van Dijk to hold it all together.
“Gone are the days when the team used to pick itself. Neither can we be sure what impact the timing of Jurgen Klopp’s announcement, that he was leaving Anfield at the end of the season, had on the players.
“All of these were factors of Liverpool’s title failure, but they are back in the Champions League – and who can forget that heroic performance by Van Dijk in the League Cup final against Chelsea?”
Van Dijk Has Held Liverpool Together
There is a strong case for pairing Gabriel with William Saliba in defense, and few would dispute the merits of this selection.
Nevertheless, Van Dijk has been exceptional for Liverpool throughout the season, demonstrating his quality despite frequently changing defensive partners.
Although Liverpool may have conceded more goals than desired, Van Dijk has had to adjust to playing alongside Konate, Quansah, Matip, and others.
In essence, the Dutchman embodies consistency, and Liverpool perform better with him in the lineup.
In other Liverpool news, One Thing Arne Slot Has Already Done at Liverpool That Shows He Means Business