There is a video clip doing the rounds of Virgil van Dijk facing the might of Barcelona in the Nou Camp and performing brilliantly.
It features Liverpool’s recently-crowned PFA player of the year, then in the green and white hoops of Celtic, blocking, tackling and pretty much forming a one-man barrier to wave after wave of red and blue attacks.
There are two things to note. Firstly, Barcelona were without Lionel Messi on that December night in 2013. Secondly, they scored six goals in what was, at times, a mesmerising performance under Catalan lights.
Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk has the right to claim a position as the best defender in the world
He will face Lionel Messi on Wednesday night — arguably the best forward of all time
Footage has been shared on social media showing Van Dijk impressing at Nou Camp in 2013
Van Dijk, all £75m of him, returns to Barcelona on Wednesday night and the Argentinian magician will be very much present. It is a contest which is being billed as the best versus the best – and few could argue with that.
Put simply, Van Dijk is already one of the most important men in Liverpool’s long history, and that is before he has lifted a trophy of note in a red shirt. The impact his arrival has had on Jurgen Klopp’s side cannot be underestimated.
He has transformed the heart of Liverpool’s backline, providing a resilience they have lacked for close to 30 years.
Van Dijk, who furthered his education at Southampton and feels he is now a better player, has it all. Composure, strength, aerial ability and above all else, consistency.
In 2013, Celtic conceded six goals and Messi was not even available for Barcelona that night
Van Dijk is already one of the most important men in Liverpool’s long history
While the belated signing of a decent goalkeeper was a key move, and the emergence of Trent Alexander-Arnold and the currently-injured Joe Gomez have been important, it is Van Dijk who provides the foundations on which a potential Kop empire will be built.
He is the glue who holds it all together. The man who ensures that there are no stupid slip ups against inferior opposition.
Wednesday night’s game will be enthralling. On BT Sport recently, Rio Ferdinand gave a fascinating insight into the mindset of a central defender at the top of his game.
‘There are times in your career when you think nobody can beat me,’ the former United man said. It would be a surprise if that was not where Van Dijk’s head is at.
Van Dijk collected the PFA Player of the Year award on Sunday after a sensational season
If anyone is to test that belief, it will be Messi, and Van Dijk noted as much. ‘I think he is the best player in the world,’ he said. ‘But you see how we play, how we defend, we don’t defend one versus one, we defend all together and we attack all together as well so we will see, we will be ready.’
Van Dijk is right to highlight the role of his team-mates. The key will be denying the maestro of space. Messi drifts in and out of matches on purpose. Deception is a vital part of his game. The hope is that a period of relative anonymity will create space for an explosion.
While Van Dijk, who at 27 and with time on his side is rightly thought of as one of the best defenders on the planet, the visitors will not want to see Messi running at him.
Denying him room will be vital and that is where the rest of Klopp’s side come in. Much will depend on protection from midfield and wise, energetic performances are required from Fabinho and Jordan Henderson.
Van Dijk admitted he would face a test against Messi: ‘I think he is the best player in the world’
Striking a balance will also be important. Van Dijk will need to ensure that Liverpool feel that they can attack without fear of leaving themselves exposed.
If they are to progress to the final, they will need to do so by hitting their hosts on the break. They cannot hope to drop deep for 90 minutes and hope to escape without fatal damage inflicted.
It sounds like a tall order it is because it is one. But with Van Dijk in the side, Klopp will feel that he is well-equipped.
This is what elite football should be about. A battle between the best. Two players at the peak of their powers. For those who are neutrals it will be an occasion to savour. And the best bit? They will do it all again next Tuesday.