Virgil Van Dijk and 4 Other Defenders Who Haven’t Been Dribbled Past in Europe This Season

• Virgil van Dijk has been one of Europe's best defenders since joining Liverpool
• The Dutch defender forged a reputation for not getting dribbled past by attackers
• Van Dijk is joined on the elite list by some other defenders in Europe this season

Virgil van Dijk is the standard for most European defenders in many parameters since he sealed a big-money move to Liverpool from Southampton in 2018.

The physically imposing defender’s biggest strength lies in his aerial prowess, ability on the ball, and not getting dribbled past by opposing attackers.

Sports Brief looks at five defenders who have not been dribbled past this season, as first analysed by Planet Football.

Players who haven't been dribbled

1. Virgil van Dijk

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The Liverpool captain has gone on a streak of not getting dribbled past since he moved to Anfield. He once went 50 Premier League games without getting dribbled past before former Arsenal star Nicholas Pepe dribbled him in a 3-1 win over the Gunners. 21 league games this season, and he is still intact.

2. Inigo Martinez

The Spanish defender joined Barcelona in the summer on a free transfer after his contract with Athletic Bilbao expired. He has seen limited game time due to injuries and Xavi preferring other centre-halves, but he has yet to be skipped past in eight games. Per Marca, he has a release clause of €400 million. Who knows, his ability to evade dribbles can help Barcelona sell him.

3. Matthijs De Ligt

Another Dutch defender, Matthijs De Ligt, has evaded dribbles this season. The Bayern Munich star has also seen limited minutes under Thomas Tuchel. Per Goal, he could leave the club in the summer if his game time doesn't improve. He has played 12 games this season and has not dribbled.

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4. Matteo Rugeri

Rugeri came through Atalanta’s academy and is having the season of his life under head coach Gian Pero Gasperini. The 21-year-old is dazzling at left wing-back while he is yet to be dribbled past this season.

5. Aaron Hickey

Another Premier League defender who has a clean sheet against attackers. The Brentford star played nine league games without getting dribbled past before his unfortunate hamstring injury in November. It is uncertain when he will return to action.

Van Dijk clarifies Liverpool future

Sports Brief reported on Van Dijk clarifying his Liverpool future after his initial statement regarding his future beyond Jurgen Klopp's time at the club was taken out of context.

The 32-year-old has a contract that runs till the summer of 2025 and will leave the club in a difficult position by the end of the season should he push for a move away.