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Henk Spaan claims Jordan Pickford's 2020 tackle dramatically altered Virgil van Dijk's career, sparking heated debate in the football world.
A Dutch journalist, Henk Spaan, has reignited the debate surrounding a moment in the 2020 Merseyside derby that many believe marked the decline of Virgil van Dijk's illustrious career.
The Liverpool and Netherlands central defender, once known for his impenetrable defensive abilities, has faced significant challenges getting back to his prime form after a serious knee injury.
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It all traces back to a controversial match in October 2020, where Everton's goalkeeper, Jordan Pickford, took a high-risk move.
Shooting out of his goal with full force, he struck the Liverpool defender in a scissors motion, leading to Van Dijk's immediate collapse.
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The impact of this tackle kept the star player off the field for a staggering 254 days, with many suggesting the injury's psychological scars run even deeper.
"There was a moment on the sidelines against Ireland when Van Dijk was walked past by an opponent he would once have laughed at and taken the ball from without wasting a drop of sweat," Spaan reflected as per Daily Mail. He further intensified the blame, drawing on reactions from the time, "Pickford's tackle on Van Dijk during Everton-Liverpool was called a leg breaker by Peter Crouch on live TV."
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The debate over the tackle's intent and consequence has been long-standing. Tony Cascarino even drew comparisons between Pickford's move and Roy Keane's infamous tackle on Haaland, which some believe led to the end of the Manchester City striker's father's career.
Spaan did not hold back in his criticism. "I did not comment on Van Dijk's play with compassion on Twitter. I maintain that he's no longer the designated captain of the Dutch national team. But it is certain that Pickford, who did not even receive a card for his attack, is responsible for the demise of Virgil's career."
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