One to teach in the academies - Van Dijk's masterclass

Liverpool overcame Tottenham 2-1 on Sunday to continue their fight for the Premier League title. This came after a big mistake from Spurs' Moussa Sissoko, who was forced into an error by Liverpool centre-back Virgil van Dijk when in a two-on-one position.

It was a piece of play that should be shown in football academies across the world. Tottenham had found space to hit Liverpool on the break, and suddenly both Sissoko, with the ball, and Son Heung-min were bearing down on goal with only Van Dijk back to stop them. 

But the Dutch defender slowed the pair down, and stayed perfectly in between the two of them to close the passing lane to Son and to force Sissoko onto his weaker left foot. 

When he did shoot with his left, his shot went well over the bar, and Tottenham's best chance of the game had gone. 

Van Dijk has been one of the defenders of the season, earning recognition across Europe for his impressive performances. This bit of defending will only enhance his burgeoning reputation. 

March 31, 2019