“What a Footballer” – Micah Richards Names the Liverpool Player Who Impresses Him Just as Much as Mohamed Salah
Liverpool appear to be firmly on track to secure the Premier League title this season. While Mohamed Salah remains the standout figure, Micah Richards believes another key player is shining for the Reds.
Arne Slot’s team comfortably overcame West Ham, extending their lead at the top of the table as they head into 2025.
Salah once again stole the spotlight, with Luis Diaz delivering an impressive display and Cody Gakpo showing continued improvement.
However, in terms of defensive solidity, Liverpool have been equally impressive. According to Micah Richards, much of that stability is owed to the commanding presence and outstanding form of Virgil van Dijk.
Micah Richards Says Virgil van Dijk is One of the Greatest Ever
On the latest episode of The Rest is Football, Micah Richards heaped praise on Liverpool for their impressive performances this season.
However, when discussing standout players, Richards argued that Virgil van Dijk deserves just as much recognition as star forward Mohamed Salah.
“We talked about Trent, didn’t we? And we talked about Salah, but Van Dijk, oh my, oh my. What a footballer,” Richards said.
“What a player he is. Yes, he’s good on the ball. Yes, he’s tall and he’s strong, but he’s just, he’s effortless.
“Everything that he does. If you watch his positioning, it is…He just is always in the right position. Yes, I don’t like the sometimes thing that he does when he’s sort of defending and the ball goes behind him and he just sort of sticks out his back leg.
“That’s the only part of his game that I look at and think, you don’t really need to do that, but everything else, he’s spot on.
“He is one of the Premier League greats. We’re talking top line defender”
When it comes to key players in Europe’s top teams, Virgil van Dijk stands out as one of the most crucial figures among the continent’s elite stars.
Gary Neville has even compared Van Dijk’s influence at Liverpool to Rodri’s role at Manchester City, highlighting just how vital he is. The impact of Rodri’s absence during his injury spell was clear for all to see in City’s performances.
Additionally, in discussions about the greatest defenders of all time, former Manchester United centre-back Phil Jones went as far as ranking Van Dijk above his ex-teammate Rio Ferdinand.
“I think it would be harsh to say he [Ferdinand] wouldn’t have been as good as he is now as he was in that era. I think he still would have been top, but I’ve got to go Van Dijk. Just because I think what he’s given Liverpool over the last five/six years has been incredible,” Jones said.
“He might have had a little bit of a dip in form over the last four/five months, but he’s right up there.”
Liverpool, then, simply have to get Van Dijk tied down to fresh terms or risk going into the 25/26 season with a completely new squad yet again.
In other news, “Going to bring in” – Arne Slot Makes Liverpool Transfer Admission Ahead of January Window
