Liverpool were made to work extremely hard for the 16th consecutive league win at Sheffield United at the weekend and were grateful for the sterling work of their defence in keeping what was only their second clean sheet of the season.
Gini Wijnaldum's 70th minute volley, fumbled into his own net by Blades goalkeeper Dean Henderson who was on loan from Manchester United, secured the precious three points which maintained the Reds' advantage over Manchester City at the top of the table but the Liverpool defence were tested arguably as much as they have been at any point in the campaign thus far to date.
Liverpool supporters are well aware of Virgil Van Dijk's qualities as of course is much of Europe now, with his influence having guided the Reds to Champions League glory and the Dutchman himself receiving personal recognition having won UEFA's Men's Player of the Year award and reached the final three for FIFA's Best Men's Player award.
Sheffield United fans showed their good humour during Saturday's match with their amusing "Champions of League One, you'll never sing that" chant and a thread on the Blades' Fill Up Your Senses forum shows more fair-mindedness, the likes of which you don't see too often in football banter these days which is so often toxic and mean-spirited.
In a five-page thread titled simply 'Virgil Van Dijk', dozens of Sheffield United fans wax lyrical about the big Dutchman's performance at Bramall Lane, with some suggesting he may be the best defender to have ever played there.
The opening post of the thread, by 'Akinbiyi', reads:
"Didn’t know before today if he was maybe slightly overhyped? Well that’s that idea f***** off.
"Best centre half I’ve ever seen come to the Lane I think and thoroughly deserves the awards and plaudits he gets.
"What a sublime performance. Won absolutely everything, no one got past him, no one came close in truth. I’ve not seen a centre half so aerially dominant in a long time.
"And I’ll tell you what, McBurnie gave him one hell of a game. He’s earned his money this week and been made to work hard for that clean sheet. Robinson gave him a worry as well. Proud as punch."
Further comments on the imperious Liverpool defender included:
"He is everywhere. You think you have played a great ball into the box and out of no where he dangles a leg at it to clear the ball."
"He’s ridiculous, amazing to watch."
"He's probably the premier league's best ever center half. He is fantastic. He's got the lot. I don't think he has a single flaw in his game."
"Go go gadget legged b******. Brilliant player."
"Different gravy that lad."
"You can see why Liverpool have become contenders since he signed."
"If Maguire is worth 80 million .... how much is VVD? Maguire is a great player, but VVD is on a whole other level."
"Could play with a cigar in his gob. Even when he looks beat he somehow makes a recovery."
"VVD is a fantastic player, a proper Rolls Royce & I reckon he only plays to around 75% of his ability in most games, if he gave all of himself in every game he would reach a level I don't think many players are capable of getting anywhere near."
Of course not everyone fan agreed (do they ever?) although we're not sure which game this poster was watching..
"There's a few posters on here who would've liked to have been down on that pitch trying to swap Liverpool shirts.
A*** lickers.
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Van Dyk distribution was crap.
John Egan shoulders ahead."
