Liverpool are European Champions for the sixth time in the clubs history, and it’s has been an amazing season for Klopp.
Missing out on the Premier League Title despite earning 96 points must have been frustrating for the fans, who have not seen their club crowned champions of England for almost 30 years. But glory in Madrid will have more than made up for that disappointment. The whole squad has been amazing this season, but one man in particular has had an amazing story.
When he was starting out as a 17 year old, Van Dijk never made the first team at his first club Willem II, as the reserves manager thought he had too many limitations. He ended up being scouted by Martin Koeman at FC Groningen, and it wasn’t long before he made the switch to Scotland to play for Celtic.
The belief he had in himself showed he wasn’t going to be pushed around by anyone who second-guessed him.
He was selected in the Scottish Premiership Team of the Season in his debut season, and after winning back to back titles was snapped up by Southampton where he made his name in England.
Since joining Liverpool just 18 months ago Van Dijk has already established himself as something of a Liverpool hero. When Liverpool signed him from Southampton for £75m, making him the most expensive player in history, a few eyebrows were raised. Everyone knew he was good, but was he that good?
I think he has since proved that the fee was actually a bargain. The rock at the back, Virgil has helped Liverpool keep 39 clean sheets this season, scoring 7 goals and helping them to their second successive Champions League finals, lifting the trophy on the second attempt. His speed and strength make him one of the best defenders in the game today.
When a defender is that smart in reading the game, he will always make a lot of his decisions look easy. It helps when you have that strong build, speed, technique and confidence. The Champions League final was not his best performance, but he brought the much needed calmness to the game, making sure he led by example.
For me, he is the best player from Holland, and is definitely pushing to be a contender for best in the world right now.
It looks like he will be renewing his contract with Liverpool but you know it won’t be long before the other big clubs in Europe make their move. But for now, the next goal will be to win the PL and retain the European Title.