Nicholas: Van Dijk has been cumbersome and sluggish at times this season

Charlie Nicholas has offered a somewhat critical view regarding the form of Virgil Van Dijk this season.

The Sky Sports pundit believes the Dutchman has not been at the same level as he was last year.

Football 365 via Sky Sports reported the former Arsenal striker as saying:

"Has he been as good as last year? No. 

“He looks cumbersome and sluggish at times, but his pace can rescue him.

“He has pace and purpose on the ball, while having a great awareness of danger He never jumps in and rarely dives in.

“If someone is really quick, they may have a chance, or if a player is tricky, they could send him the wrong way, but he stands up and asks them to do something, meaning the player would normally lay it off.

"He has an authority within the game."

While thinking that Van Dijk has not been up to his elite standards this campaign, Nicholas does not doubt his ability and still believes he should be in the Premier League team of the season.

“Is he as good as what people think?

"Yes, he is that good. People are scared to test him. Little balls in behind can make him vulnerable, but who isn’t? 

“He is a leader and has such a response of being on the ball, whether it be 10 yards or 60.

"He is good in the air both in attack and defence, he has to be in the team of the season.”