Liverpool's victory over Lille in the group stage of the Champions League has brought a lot to the English club. Liverpool is now guaranteed a spot in the Round of 16, Mohamed Salah reached a milestone, and both Arne Slot and Virgil van Dijk stand out in the statistics. The central defender is even regarded as a favorite for the Ballon d'Or.
Embed from Getty Images
Liverpool continues to demonstrate dominance in the Champions League under the leadership of Arne Slot, with the team remaining unbeaten in the group stages.
This achievement places Slot among an elite group of managers who have excelled in their debut season with a new club in the competition. By securing victories in his first seven matches, Slot became only the second manager in Champions League history to accomplish such a feat. The only other manager to achieve a better start was Hansi Flick, who had an extraordinary run with Bayern Munich after his appointment in November 2019, winning his first 12 matches in the competition. Flick’s record remains a benchmark of excellence in European football, and while Slot has not yet surpassed it, his start has already cemented his reputation as one of the most promising managers in Europe.
Slot's impact on Liverpool's performance has been transformative, breathing new life into a squad already rich in talent. His tactical acumen and ability to inspire the team have been evident, particularly in high-stakes matches. By guaranteeing Liverpool's spot in the Round of 16, Slot has positioned the team as a strong contender for the title. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see if Slot can continue this remarkable run and potentially lead Liverpool to their seventh Champions League trophy.
While Slot’s managerial achievements have garnered significant attention, individual performances within the squad have also stood out. Virgil van Dijk, Liverpool’s commanding center-back, has been a cornerstone of the team’s success. The Dutch international reached a significant milestone during the team’s victory over Lille, playing his 50th Champions League match for Liverpool. Even more impressive is that Van Dijk has recorded 35 wins in those appearances, a statistic that places him in rarefied company within the club’s history. Only Phil Neal, a Liverpool legend who played from 1974 to 1985, matches those numbers.
Van Dijk’s influence extends far beyond statistics. His composure, leadership, and ability to read the game have made him indispensable to Liverpool’s defense. Against Lille, Van Dijk once again demonstrated why he is considered one of the world’s best defenders, earning a 7.85 rating from BBC voters. Only goalscorers Harvey Elliott (7.9) and Mohamed Salah (8.14) received higher scores, underscoring Van Dijk’s importance in both defensive and offensive phases of the game.
The praise for Van Dijk has not been limited to fan polls. The Telegraph recently published an article with the bold headline, "Unmatched Virgil van Dijk must be the favorite for the Ballon d'Or." The article lavishes praise on the defender, stating, “Describing Van Dijk as the best defender is the understatement of the century. Van Dijk is one of the best footballers in the world. Period. Writing that down, of course, goes against the unwritten rules of the game. Defenders are expected to do their job and are defined by their position. Ultimate praise is usually reserved for playmakers and goalscorers.”
This statement challenges traditional notions of football excellence, where attacking players have historically dominated individual awards like the Ballon d'Or. According to The Telegraph, it is time for the Ballon d'Or committee to recognize Van Dijk’s extraordinary contributions to the game. The outlet suggests that Van Dijk should have won the Ballon d'Or in 2019, when he finished second to Lionel Messi, and argues that the error could be corrected six years later if Liverpool continues their successful campaign. However, the article notes that even if Liverpool wins the Champions League, Mohamed Salah may still be the favorite for the award, given his incredible record of 50 European goals for the club. In contrast, Van Dijk’s impact is measured not in goals scored but in the countless goals he has prevented during his time at Anfield.
If Van Dijk does go on to win the Ballon d'Or, he would become the first defender to claim the prize since Fabio Cannavaro in 2006. Cannavaro’s victory came on the back of his leadership in Italy’s World Cup-winning campaign, emphasizing the rarity of defenders being recognized at the highest level. Van Dijk’s potential win would not only honor his individual brilliance but also challenge the traditional bias against defenders in football’s most prestigious individual award.
Liverpool’s journey this season under Slot, coupled with the exceptional performances of players like Van Dijk and Salah, has the potential to redefine narratives in football. Whether it’s breaking records, securing trophies, or challenging preconceptions about individual awards, this Liverpool team is writing its own chapter in the history of the game. Fans will be watching closely as the season unfolds, hoping for more milestones and, perhaps, a Ballon d'Or for one of their brightest stars.
