80 Million Dollar Man

I must say the title is really lovely.

A lot has been said about Virgil van Dijk´s transfer, and most of it is true: after spending some time recovering from an injury, Van Dijk doesn´t look like someone who should be boasting the “worlds most expensive defender” title (probably the only title anyone in Liverpool´s dressing room will be lifting) it’s a joke , specially if we consider the fact that he hasn´t proven himself to be an elite defender, thus far he “only” has proven himself in a feeder club like Southhampton.

However I must say that some of the critics are being unfair to him, certain comparisons to be more specific, have ticked me off.

VVD isn´t Puyol or Thuram, but he isn´t some pub league random that Liverpool kidnapped off the street, comparing him to a hot prospect like Yerry Mina doesn´t make much sense, I can understand the intent behind it, that is, comparing the enormous difference behind the numbers, and the difference between their talents, while pointing out that the latter does not deserve the former.

And yes, I do understand that Mina´s transfer is centered on his potential, backed by his most recent performances, that perhaps deserves bigger price for the signing, but using this “image” of a more “humble” transfer, contrasting it with the ridiculous inflation of the English market, with the purpose of damaging Van Dijk´s image, seems dishonest.
After scoring on his debut for the Reds, nobody is accusing Virgil of being the best defender of the world (save perhaps the most deluded of Liverpool´s fans), and that is fine, because we can´t allow a number to prohibit us from enjoying a great player like him, although it may create great expectations, I can assure you, that he is not the miracle that Liverpool´s defense needs right now.

But it´s a start.