Leading the transfer rumour mill right now is Southampton centre-back Virgil van Dijk, who has been a target of the big clubs since the January transfer window of last season. The 6’4’’ Dutchman is hailed for his overall defensive games as well as his willingness to push the attack from his box.
Where can Virgil van Dijk go to Bring the most Fantasy Football Value?
Most recently, Liverpool have had to issue an apology to Southampton for the way in which they approached Van Dijk, and have since pulled out of the transfer pursuit. Now, this likely doesn’t mean that they’ve finished but they will need to go quiet for a little while due to the PR disaster that ensued.
Just because Liverpool claim to be out of the running, for now, it doesn’t mean that the big centre-back isn’t still a wanted man. In fact, there are numerous top teams looking to sign him. So, of the favourites to sign Van Dijk, where would be the best destination for him to go to so that fantasy football players benefit too?
Where’s Best for Van Dijk?
‘Österreich vs Niederlande. Bild zeigt Virgil van Dijk (NED)’ by Ailura (CC BY-SA 3.0 AT)
In the running now, Manchester City and Manchester United look like two of the best options given their need for centre-backs and the fact that they’re the favourites to win the Premier League in the football betting. A move to Liverpool or Arsenal and for Virgil van Dijk to remain with Southampton are also involved in the speculation but, as eluded earlier, Liverpool have taken a step back.
For Fantasy Premier League value, we’ll need to look into which teams will provide the best chances for Virgil van Dijk to keep clean sheets, score goals, and have the fewest goals conceded. He’ll likely carry his averages in the other fantasy scoring areas, such as his 1.9 tackles per game, 0.9 fouls, 0.3 dribbles, 6.8 clearances, 0.7 blocks, 2.6 interceptions, and 84.2 pass percentage.
Battle of the Manchester Clubs
‘Manchester United v Manchester City (1-0), EFL Cup’ by Ardfern (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Starting off with the favourites to both land Van Dijk and win the Premier League, Manchester City would have presented a less preferred option due to the weaknesses in their overall defensive play and poor goalkeeping. They’ve since signed goalie Ederson from Benfica, who put up incredible numbers in Liga NOS and the Champions League.
If Vincent Kompany can stay fit, a pairing of the Dutchman and Belgian could form one of the best centre-back duos in the league. However, Kompany will most likely remain the targeted defender in the opposition’s box, so Van Dijk may see fewer crosses aimed at him with Manchester City.
Manchester United, riddled with injuries and inconsistencies through a hectic fixtures list, still managed to aid David de Gea into keeping 14 clean sheets and conceding very few goals. The Red Devils need another centre back, and Van Dijk could very well become their star man on the back line.
If United did sign Van Dijk, the attention of corner takers would instead go to the Dutchman instead of Marouane Fellaini, who – despite his size and climbing ability – was somewhat unreliable when the aerial ball came his way. Van Dijk boasts superior accuracy and the same number of headed Premier League goals – just one – from fewer attempts than Fellaini last season.
As great as it would be to see Southampton keep a hold of one of their star players, for once, Virgil van Dijk looks to be on his way out. For fantasy football, his best option looks to be Manchester United next season.
Follow us on twitter and facebook for news and updates
