25/26: 32 apps · 3G · 7.3★ avg
Conductor
Still the gold standard for center-back reading and positioning despite being 34, with an almost impossible combination of pace, strength, and tactical intelligence. Van Dijk's physical decline is marginal—the real question is durability over a full season—but his ability to sweep, cover for mistakes, and dominate in transition hasn't noticeably diminished. One of the greatest defenders of the modern era, though even he cannot fight time forever.