Liverpool: Dijk contract 'could be in the pipeline' says expert
Virgil van Dijk is usually the subject of praise, but on this occasion former Arsenal and Celtic man Charlie Nicholas thinks there has been a slight drop off in his performances. The centre-back is still a contender for the PFA Player of the Year and could still lift the Premier League title, but he has not been as good as last season in the eyes of Nicholas.
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“If someone is really quick, they may have a chance, or if a player is tricky, they could send him the wrong way, but he stands up and asks them to do something, meaning the player would normally lay it off. He has an authority within the game."
It's beginning to look like a four-horse race for the PFA Player of the Year award with last year's winner Van Dijk again in the running alongside Liverpool duo Sadio Mane and Jordan Henderson, with Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City.
In the view of Mane, it's Liverpool captain Henderson who deserves the accolade for his huge influence on the Premier League leaders.
"I would go for Henderson," he told talkSPORT.
Virgil van Dijk is still a contender for Player of the Year (Image: GETTY)
"He’s been a big part of our success this year, both defensively and in attack.
“He was really good this year. A really good leader and a great captain.”
Liverpool are eagerly awaiting the chance to return to action and finally end their 30-year wait for the Premier League title.
The Reds are just six points away from being crowned champions with the Premier League planning to resume in June behind closed doors.