Van Dijk sets an impressive record in the 2025/26 Premier League season.

According to Squawka, Virgil Van Dijk is the sole player in the Premier League this season to have won more than 100 aerial challenges, boasting a 77.6% success rate.

Liverpool started the 2025/26 season in a way that gave their fans plenty of reasons to dream. However, as the season progressed into tougher phases, issues with squad depth, fitness, and inconsistency began to emerge.

Liverpool experienced a sharp decline, at one point falling out of the European qualification spots and facing the risk of being left behind in the top 4 race. Nevertheless, amid these difficulties, The Kop managed to rally their spirits, gradually returning to form and continuing to hope for a place among the league’s strongest teams by season’s end.

Liverpool’s revival did not come from a single individual, but clearly, Virgil van Dijk remains a key figure. In a season where The Kop’s defense has faced more pressure than usual, the Dutch center-back continues to prove why he is considered an irreplaceable leader at the back.

Statistics from Squawka show that Virgil van Dijk is the only player in the 2025/26 Premier League season to have won over 100 aerial duels. Specifically, the defender born in 1991 has won 104 out of 134 aerial battles, a figure that far surpasses others in the league. Moreover, Van Dijk holds the highest success rate among players who have contested more than 25 aerial duels this season. In the Premier League this season, he has achieved a success rate of 77.6%.

These dry statistics accurately reflect Van Dijk’s influence on Liverpool’s defensive play. As opponents increasingly exploit long balls, aerial passes, and set pieces to target The Kop’s weaknesses, Van Dijk’s ability to dominate the airspace acts as a “steel shield” that keeps Liverpool solid. He not only wins direct contests but also provides reassurance to his teammates, enabling the defensive system to function more smoothly.

Remarkably, Van Dijk is accomplishing this at age 34, an age when many players, especially center-backs who rely heavily on physicality, often see a decline in performance. Contrary to the harsh realities of elite football, Liverpool’s captain maintains remarkable consistency. His experience, ability to read the game, and excellent positioning allow him to avoid unnecessary physical clashes while always being present at critical moments.

At present, Van Dijk is not only a skilled center-back but also a psychological pillar for Liverpool’s defense. Finding a player who can completely replace his role in this new era is clearly a very difficult task.

Liverpool can invest in transfers and rejuvenate the squad, but discovering a center-back who combines technical excellence, leadership qualities, and significant influence like Van Dijk remains a challenging puzzle. As long as he continues to hold his ground at the back, Liverpool can still believe in competing at the highest level in the Premier League.