Leading Liverpool and untouchable one-on-one – Van Dijk in Opta numbers

Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk was rewarded for his stellar campaign by winning the PFA Players’ Player of the Year on Sunday.

Van Dijk, 27, has led what is currently the Premier League’s best defence, putting Jurgen Klopp’s men in title contention with just two games remaining.

The Netherlands international became the second Liverpool player in as many seasons to be named player of the year, joining team-mate Mohamed Salah.

We take a look at some of the Opta numbers behind Van Dijk’s individual honour.

Congratulations, VVD! @VirgilvDijk has been named as the @PFA Players’ Player of the Year. #PFAawards pic.twitter.com/asSm60VFJS

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) April 28, 2019

0 – No opposition player has completed a dribble past Van Dijk in 36 league games this season. The run stretches back to March – a streak of 45 league matches without being dribbled past by an opponent.

19 – No outfield player has registered more clean sheets than Van Dijk in the Premier League this season.

77 – Of 292 players to have competed in 100-plus duels in the league this season, Van Dijk has the best success ratio with 77 per cent.

35 – Liverpool have won 35 of the 50 Premier League games when Van Dijk has played.

“You are the man.”

The boss has a message for @VirgilvDijk after his win at the #PFAawards. 

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) April 28, 2019

8 – Van Dijk became the eighth Liverpool player to win the award, joining Terry McDermott (1979-80), Kenny Dalglish (1982-83), Ian Rush (1983-84), John Barnes (1987-88), Steven Gerrard (2005-06), Luis Suarez (2013-14) and Salah.

6 – He is just the sixth defender to win the award, after Norman Hunter (Leeds United), Colin Todd (Derby County), Gary Pallister (Manchester United), Paul McGrath (Aston Villa) and John Terry (Chelsea).

4 – Van Dijk is the fourth Dutch player to claim the prize, joining Dennis Bergkamp (1997-98), Ruud van Nistelrooy (2001-02) and Robin van Persie (2011-12).