Feature

Shearer: Van Dijk is the one player Liverpool can't afford to lose

12 Mar 2024
Alan Shearer's MW28 Team of the Week

League’s record goalscorer hails Liverpool's captain as he names Team of the Week

Related Articles
Why Palmer's quick thinking shows he's a special player
Premier League weekend review: What we learned
Title race: Is it now Man City's to lose?

Liverpool produced a big second-half performance against Manchester City to earn a point, with Virgil van Dijk playing a particularly key role in keeping the champions' star-studded attack at bay.

Despite starting alongside four players who would not ordinarily be in Liverpool's back five, the Reds captain delivered an imperious display.

Erling Haaland was kept unusually quiet and, when the Norwegian got a chance to run at Van Dijk 1v1, the defender did enough to push his opponent wide and force a tame shot.

Because of his colossal impact, Van Dijk has earned a place in the Team of the Week chosen by the Premier League's record goalscorer Alan Shearer.

Alan Shearer's MW28 Team of the Week

Jose Sa (Wolves)
"Made five saves to keep Fulham at bay in the 2-1 win that keeps Wolves in European contention."

Ben White (Arsenal)
"Not only is he such a reliable figure in defence, White is now starting to play a huge part in Arsenal's attack, as he showed by setting up both of their goals against Brentford."

Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
"They've coped well with the loss of a number of key players, but he is the one player Liverpool can't afford to lose if they are to win the title."

Rayan Ait-Nouri (Wolves)
"Was a constant threat down that left side and showed excellent composure to open the scoring."

Alejandro Garnacho (Man Utd)
"Everton couldn't handle his pace and trickery as he won both penalties in the 2-0 win."

Wataru Endo (Liverpool)
"He was a key figure as Liverpool repeatedly won the ball back in the middle to keep Man City on the defensive for long periods."

Declan Rice (Arsenal)
"Every week he is delivering match-winning displays, having now scored in back-to-back matches. Undoubtedly one of the signings of the season."

Brennan Johnson (Spurs)
"He's producing regular goals and assists now for Spurs. It was an excellent finish to take the match out of Aston Villa's hands."

Cole Palmer (Chelsea)
"He's the player Chelsea look to when they need inspiration, and he duly delivered a goal and assist in front of Gareth Southgate."

Kai Havertz (Arsenal)
"After a slow start at Arsenal, he is now coming up with huge moments in matches, scoring the late winner against Brentford."

Son Heung-min (Spurs)
"Villa couldn't handle him and he showed his class in setting up two goals and scoring another."

Manager: Ange Postecoglou (Spurs)
"His side made a big statement in the top-four race. Villa will certainly be looking over their shoulder now."

Latest Videos

More Videos

Video is currently not available.

15 Nov 2024

Watch the BEST GOALS of 2024/25

So. Many. Great. Goals. Which of these is your favourite from this season's Premier League?

Your details have been submitted successfully.

You have already entered this competition. Please check your email for further information.

Your details have been submitted successfully.

Create a Premier League account

Continue

You are logged in as

Enter your details