It’s funny how Virgil van Dijk and Harry Maguire’s respective transfer fees now look today.The £75 million that Liverpool paid Southampton for Van Dijk in 2018 can be considered a bargain.The Dutch centre-back has been incredible at the heart of the Reds’ defence, helping them to Champions League and Premier League glory.On the other hand, Manchester United’s £80m move for Maguire doesn’t look quite so successful.Maguire has had a string of defensive lapses this season.The latest came in United’s 2-2 draw against Southampton on Monday, in which the England international marked his own teammate from the corner which results in the Saints’ equaliser.
The two centre-backs are tied together as a result of their expensive transfer fees and we’ve decided to round up six months from each that show the gulf in class.
Without further ado…
The time Van Dijk dealt with Mbappe
The time Maguire got rinsed by Wijnaldum
The time Van Dijk kept up with Traore
The time Maguire had a nightmare vs Arsenal
The time Van Dijk showed off his superb touch
The time Maguire marked his own teammate
The time Van Dijk showed he’s coolness personified
The time Maguire couldn’t track Chris Wood
The time Van Dijk made a brilliant tackle
The time Maguire got embarrassed by Stanislas
The time Van Dijk sent Jesus back to Brazil
The time Maguire turned with the speed of a snail
Now, we're not saying that there ever was a debate between the two. But this highlights the fact that Maguire isn't on Van Dijk's level.
Although in all honesty, is any centre-back on Van Dijk's level right now?