Many believe Virgil van Dijk only needs a Ballon d'Or to prove how a consistent performer and a standout leader he is. The Dutch center-back has played a key role in keeping the defensive wall of Liverpool steady. According to a recent report, the Netherlands captain could have been playing for Manchester City had the team took a chance on him in 2018.
Virgil van Dijk is one of the reasons why Liverpool has become a solid team this season. The Reds defeated Manchester City in a 3-0 match last Sunday. But it could have been all so different for Man City, and Virgil van Dijk could have been playing in Pep Guardiola's side.
Based on the most recent Amazon Prime Documentary titled "All or Nothing," Manchester City almost took the Dutch superstar midway through the 2017- 2018 season. The documentary tells the shocking revelation of Man City Executives Director of Football Txiki Begiristain, Chief Executive Ferran Soriano, and Chairman Khaldoon Al-Mubarak were talking about possible targets and how much it would cost the team to bring them to the Etihad. When the chairman was informed of how much it would cost Manchester City to bring Virgil van Dijk, he immediately poured cold water on the possible deal.
Manchester City later decided that the £76 million was too much for Virgil van Dijk and that there was far better value for that amount of money out there. The club ended up inking a deal with Athletic Bilbao's French center-back Aymeric Laporte in January for a whopping contract of £57 million. Laporte made nine appearances in the second half of the season, and it appears that a lot of money was invested on someone who seemed to come second to Nicolas Otamendi and John Stones.
The extra £20m could have gotten Manchester City a first-team starter in the Dutch center back, Virgil van Dijk. Fast forward today, the Netherlands captain has made a name for himself as one of the world's best footballers. He plays a crucial role in Liverpool's spine and contributed significantly to the team's success in the Champions League last season.
No player has managed to dribble past Virgil van Dijk in the entire 2018-2019 season, according to Daily Mail. The Dutch center back uses his physique to isolate attackers. His performance inspires and encourages his teammates to step up their games. And, it makes us wonder if Manchester City would be feeling more confident if they had the presence of Virgil van Dijk at the core of their defense.
