Virgil van Dijk
LiverpoolCB
Back Line Anchor
Jul 8, 1991 (34)
Right
6'5"
203 lb
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Suffers hip knock
van Dijk revealed he suffered an unusual knock to his hip during Saturday's 5-1 victory over Sweden that briefly left him unable to feel his thigh, though he expects to be fine, according to Matt Addison of Liverpool.com. "I got a knock on my hip and I couldn't feel my thigh anymore, so that was a bit very strange, but it was probably a nerve. I think it's not too bad, but we'll see."
Analysis: van Dijk was checked on by referee Michael Oliver during the match but quickly insisted he could continue, going on to contribute eight clearances and one interception while completing 75 passes, the most of any outfield player on the pitch. The Netherlands captain's situation will be monitored over the coming days, though his own assessment suggests there is no serious cause for concern heading into the final group fixture against Tunisia on Thursday.
Eight clearances in win
van Dijk generated eight clearancesand one interception in Saturday's 5-1 victory versus Sweden.
Analysis: van Dijk anchored the Dutch defensive line with authority in Saturday's 5-1 win over Sweden, contributing eight clearances and one interception in a match where Sweden's pace and directness, particularly from Alexander Isak, regularly tested the backline despite the comfortable scoreline. The Liverpool captain also completed 75 passes, the most of any outfield player on the pitch, maintaining his composure in possession under pressure and organizing a defensive structure that could have been exposed more severely had Bart Verbruggen not been so sharp throughout the first half. Having now won both group games and topped Group F, van Dijk heads into the knockout rounds as the most experienced and reliable leader in the Dutch squad, and his aerial dominance and reading of the game will be essential when the margins tighten in the round of 32.
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