Harry Maguire
The Premier League is back and as expected, it has been full of shocks, drama, and entertainment. But until now, it has also been a season for defenders. Full-backs like Benjamin Mendy, Luke Shaw and Marcos Alonso have been grabbing all the headlines for their contributions in the final third of the pitch but the reliable centre-backs, who are usually from the limelight, are continuing to provide solidity to their teams.
Today, we look at two centre-backs, Virgil van Dijk and Harry Maguire. These two are among the best centre-backs in the league and have started their season strongly. But should Liverpool make an attempt to turn their back line into one of the strongest in the Premier League – and perhaps even Europe?
Let’s take a look at how their stats have fared so far.
Ever since his transfer from Southampton to Liverpool, van Dijk has been a rock at the back for the Reds. He helped Jurgen Klopp’s men reach the Champions League final last season and has started the new season with a bang.
Liverpool are the only team in the Premier League who are yet to concede any goals and the Dutchman deserves the lion’s share of the credit. During their second game, Liverpool struggled to an extent against Crystal Palace. Even after taking the lead, the Eagles attacked with a purpose in search of an equalizer.
But van Dijk, fully supported by his goalkeeper Alisson Becker, protected the clean sheet. Even in the third game against Brighton & Hove Albion, van Dijk was immense. Brighton roared back to life in the second half but Liverpool’s wall stood strong.
Minutes Played: 270
Goals scored: 0
Passes Completed: 240
Percentage of successful passes: 94%
Key Passes: 0
Dribbles Completed: 1
Tackles Completed: 3
Clearances: 11
Interceptions: 4
Harry Maguire had a dream summer. He became England’s hero in the quarter-finals of the World Cup as he scored from a corner.
Leicester City faced Manchester United at Old Trafford on opening day and conceded within the first two minutes. Although Maguire and co couldn’t stop United from winning the game, Leicester did shut down high-flying Wolverhampton Wanderers in a 2-0 win at King Power Stadium. In the third game, Maguire scored an injury-time winner for the Foxes, a long-range shot from 20 yards.
Minutes Played: 270
Goals scored: 1
Passes Completed: 134
Percentage of successful passes: 90%
Key Passes: 1
Dribbles Completed: 2
Tackles Completed: 1
Clearances: 20
Interceptions: 1
As one can see, both players are more than capable of standing strong against each other. Whatever one lacks, the other makes up for it. Hence, it is wild to imagine the kind of partnership that could spark between these two.
Although Liverpool have a promising Joe Gomez partnering the Dutchman for now, perhaps the Merseysiders should consider making a move for Maguire sometime in the near future.
