Are you someone who is thinking of playing football there football at centre back, or maybe you are just interested in learning what boots the best defenders use on matchdays?
Well, today I will be concentrating on one player, who since his move from Southampton to Liverpool has proved to be one of the best in his position and a player that most attackers now dread facing.
So I will be going over what football boots does Virgil Van-Dijk wear and how this footwear helps him to reach the high levels of his game.
Table of Contents
Who Is Virgil Van-Dijk?
Virgil Van-Dijk is a dutch born footballer who captains his national side in the Netherlands and has been an instrumental figure of Liverpool FC of the past few seasons.
Having made his name in his home country for Groningen playing 62 games and chipping in with 7 goals, he moved to Celtic before the start of the 2013/14 season.
At this club, Van-Dijk was gaining recognition for being a top defender, as he outshone in the Scottish league.
Not only winning the title twice while being nominated for the team of the season two times too.
His displays week in week out for the Bhoys attracted the attention of a legend of his country Ronald Koeman who was in charge of Southampton, who brought him to the English premier league.
Over his time down south, the Dutchman continued to impress with numerous pundits such as Graeme Souness calling him out as a future player.
Proving many people right, and after 3 seasons with Southampton, Van-Dijk moved up north to Liverpool.
For what was a reported $75 million price tag. Ever since then, he has been a mainstay in the first 11.
His fairly quick rise to the top is down to the fact that he possesses traits that not only makes him a class defender, but he is remarkably very consistent.
Some of these traits include:
- A fast defender who can keep up with the paciest players in today’s game.
- Strong and on most occasions shrugs of players with ease
- Good with his reactions and possesses a high level of composure when the pressure is on
- Being able to read the game well, with great defensive awareness
What Football Boots Does Virgil Van-Dijk Currently Wear?
Since his time at Groningen, Van-Dijks has been seen wearing Nike football boots of which he is still using to this day.
While injury over the 2020/21 season has kept him out of the first-team action.
Since returning to training to regain fitness, he has opted for the eighth generation of Nike Tiempos in a green and white variant.
These are the silos that Van-Dijk has played the majority of his football career with.
How The Nike Tiempos Help Virgil Van-Dijk?
Now the man-machine that is Virgil Van-Dijk is so good that he would probably get away with wearing a pair of old trainers to his matches.
However, with the Nike Tiempos, they are a football boot that clearly suits him since he has been loyal to the silo over the years, but they are a pair that will help get the best out of his game.
Earlier I spoke about some of the centre backs game’s notable traits, so in this section,
I am going to go over some areas with the Tiempos that work with Van-Dijk.
#1 – Pace
In-game Virgil Van-Dijk is often called upon to either keep up with a pacey attacker or bring the ball out with confidence.
To have a football boot that will be responsive to quick movements and allow a footballer to turn in multiple directions is key.
The Nike Tiempos allow exactly this and aid players in giving them the freedom of direction with a hyperstablility plate.
#2 Control Of The Ball
Regardless of football boot, one trait Van-Dijk is a phenomenal ability to bring the ball down and keep it close to his body.
Here is a clip where he traps a sky-high ball effortlessly:
But where the Tiempos come in use here is they are made of kangaroo leather which is soft and textured to helps a player cushion the ball close.
With ACC also imprinted into the boots, footballers like Virgil can control the ball no matter what conditions they are playing in.
This helps with players consistency when facing rainy away days in late January to early February.
Boots He Has Previously Worn
Surprisingly Van-Dijk has kept loyal to the Nike Tiempos and hasn’t been seen wearing other silos from Nike at previous clubs.
Over the years, though, he hasn’t kept to exactly the same boot, with him moving up to the newest versions of the Tiempos on their release.
Who Else Wears Nike Tiempos Boots?
It’s not just Virgil Van-Dijk who has a preference for Tiempos. In fact, several footballers are using them as their primary footwear.
While typically worn most by defensive-minded players, you will find pros who play in other areas of the pitch with these boots, such as Liverpool teammates Jordan Henderson and Alisson.
These names consist of:
- Thiago Silva
- Lucas Hernandez
- Ruben Neves
- Gerard Pique
- Jose Maria Gimenez
- Pau Torres
- Clement Lenglet
- Niklas Sule
- Thibaut Courtois
Closing Thoughts
Well, there you have it, that is my guide on what football boots does Virgil Van-Dijk wear and talking about how they have had a part to play in his success over the years.
If you have any players you would like me to check out next, do leave your suggestions in the comments section below 🙂
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