Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version or go back to LFC Live.net

Image Credits: Getty Images

Virgil van Dijk is one of the English Premier League’s top defenders.

The Dutchman is calm on the ball and has the ability to read the game under pressure.

Van Dijk’s intelligence and composure in tough scenarios is top notch, as he have proven over the years.

This ability has come to the fore where the smallest decisions can make or break a match.

It has often allowed him to keep even the league’s best attackers at bay.

One moment in particular from a clash with Tottenham Hotspur in 2019 stands out.

In the match, Van Dijk found himself in a two-on-one situation.

The player Van Dijk was talking about

Reflecting on that moment during an interview with the Premier League’s YouTube channel, Van Dijk explained how his priority was preventing the ball from reaching Heung-min Son.

“It all goes very quickly, he could’ve scored that quickly, but in that split second I’m thinking don’t play the ball to Son,” Van Dijk said, recalling the pressure he faced as Moussa Sissoko and Son advanced toward Liverpool’s goal.

The Dutchman didn’t hold back in his praise for Heung-min Son, describing the Tottenham captain as “one of the best finishers in the Premier League, left and right footed.”

Van Dijk detailed his thought process in that key moment, knowing that blocking the pass to Son was crucial.

“I cover that line and I block that line because I think Son is one of the best finishers…

“Knowing that Sissoko was a right-footed player that was the decision I had to make, basic defending but it worked very well.”

Son’s reputation as one of the league’s top finishers is clearly well-respected, even among his toughest opponents.

Want to get the latest Liverpool news direct to your phone
For more news relating to Spurs, visit our sister site Spurs Latest Live.