Liverpool's worst nightmare became a reality in October 2020 when Virgil van Dijk sustained an ACL injury that ruled him out for the remainder of the season. As a result, the Reds crumbled and only just fought their way to Champions League qualification.
Fast forward to July 29, 2021 and the man who many regard as the best centre half in the world was back on a football pitch and in the Red of Liverpool. Van Dijk took the tough decision to miss the European Championships to be fully-fit for the season ahead.
And what a campaign it was. The captain of the Netherlands was named in the PFA Team of the Season by his fellow professionals on Thursday night, after adding the FA Cup and League Cup to his impressive collection of winners medals.
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Van Dijk is a key member of a Liverpool side that is amongst the best in the club's illustrious history - something that may not have been the case had the Dutchman not signed in January 2018. The 30-year-old instantly changed the fortunes of Jurgen Klopp's team aas they reached the first of their three Champions League finals together.
A year later, Van Dijk had that winner's medal around his neck and was named UEFA Footballer of the Year in 2019 to coincide with his fantastic season. Many thought he deserved a Ballon d'Or win, but the great Lionel Messi was the only man to finish above the Dutchman.
After an injury as serious as an ACL, it was right that it was questioned whether Van Dijk could reach the levels he previously had. Would he still have that unbeatable aura around him? The answer to this is quite simply, yes.
We saw Inter Milan's Lautaro Martinez opt out of attempting to take on Van Dijk in the Champions League - as he knew it was pointless.
After 21 clean sheets in his 34 Premier League games, FA Cup and League Cup glory plus being named in the UEFA Champions League Team of the Season, Van Dijk has once again been recognised by his peers and named in the PFA Team of the Season - all in his comeback campaign. He is at his imperious best - and there is plenty more still to come.
