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Virgil van Dijk turned in a performance of the highest quality as Liverpool were held to a 0-0 draw by Everton in the Merseyside derby on Sunday.

The Netherlands international was impeccable in defence in a game that, at times, appeared to be Everton’s to win.

On the chalkboard

Van Dijk led from the back as Liverpool were frustrated by Marco Silva’s men at Goodison Park.

Per WhoScored, the former Southampton centre-back won a total of 10 aerial duels, four more than second-placed Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

Van Dijk also won both of the tackles he attempted, made three interceptions and a total of 13 clearances, four more than his centre-back partner Joel Matip.

Quite simply, Everton could not get past him.

He also had one key pass from his 63 total passes; his accuracy averaged out at 86%.

In addition, Van Dijk also had one shot on goal and was caught offside once as he attempted to swing the game his side’s way.

Though he did not wear the armband on the day, this was a captain’s performance from a player who appears set to become a Liverpool great.

Not giving up yet

Van Dijk deserves to win the Premier League trophy.

He has been simply brilliant for the entirety of the season, making 35 appearances in all competitions, scoring three goals and laying on two assists.

Remarkably, in the Premier League, he has been booked just once, and has captained his side to thumping victories over Arsenal and Manchester United.

A Rolls-Royce of a defender, Van Dijk is set to become a Liverpool great in short order if he helps the side win their first title in a generation.

The club have conceded just 15 goals in the top-flight, five fewer than the irrepressible City, and have lost just once.

Without Van Dijk, perhaps none of this would be possible; if his form continues, he may well be immortalised in May.