8 months ago
117 There’s no doubt that Jurgen Klopp’s successor at Liverpool will be able to adapt to the job a lot faster with the likes of Virgil van Dijk still around.
Although there’s the slightest bit of concern over Van Dijk’s long term future, given his contract is up at the end of next season, there’s no reason to think the Dutchman is going anywhere for now.
Van Djik has been a stalwart of Liverpool’s last six years, playing 256 games and achieving a number of prestigious honours.
That being said, many feel as if the Liverpool captain did struggle to return to his best levels after suffering a cruciate ligament tear in 2020, that did keep him out for just under a year.
Pace always underpinned Van Dijk’s game, even if he several other world class attributes too.
And given the defender is now undoubtedly back at his best this season once again, it’s interesting to consider how the 32-year-old’s game has adapted and changed.
Michail Antonio was discussing that injury and Van Dijk’s ability on ‘Antonio & Cairney’ podcast recently and ended up making a bold claim.
Michail Antonio claims he’s faster in a foot race than Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk
Antonio actually thought he was faster than Liverpool captain Van Dijk these days, even if he did have a ton of respect for his ability.
He explained: “I couldn’t tell you how fast he is but he’s always there. I reckon I’d beat him in a foot race but he’s always there.
“He’s two steps ahead so he doesn’t need to be rapid, where a foot race anyone can win, just running in a straight line, but the fact that he’s two steps ahead so he knows when you’re going to knock it, so he’s just waiting for you to knock it.”
“And he’s already two yards ahead and he’ll stick his arm across you to slow you down anyway so he doesn’t need to be extremely fast but he is.”
Of course, a lot of Liverpool fans probably would like to see Antonio prove his claim that he is indeed faster than Van Dijk.
It’s a bold statement, and one we’re not sure we entirely believe.
That being said, Liverpool do travel to face West Ham United on April 27th, meaning Antonio could get that chance to prove it.
Away from pace debates, it seems as if there is now a new candidate to replace Jurgen Klopp after the season.
The post 'I reckon': 33-year-old PL player still convinced he's a lot faster than Virgil van Dijk appeared first on TBR Football.
