Sheffield United: The remarkable statistics that suggest John Egan is outperforming Liverpool's £75m man Virgil van Dijk

But while the careers of Virgil van Dijk and Sheffield United’s John Egan are almost beyond comparison, these statistics from the Premier League suggest they are actually closer on the field than anyone perhaps realised – with Egan outperforming his better-known rival in almost every area.

Comparing the two players for defensive stats like goals conceded and clean sheets, Egan comes out on top – because of the work of his teammates as much as individually.

But when compared with van Dijk on individual stats like blocks, tackles and headers, £4m man Egan compares very favourably indeed.

United have conceded nine goals to Liverpool’s 10, and kept two more clean sheets in the league.

The Dutch international has registered one more block this season, but Egan has registered more interceptions, won more tackles and posted a greater number of ‘last man tackles’, too.

While Egan leads van Dijk in headed clearances, 41 to 29, the towering Dutchman has won 66 aerial duels compared to 44 for Egan. Both men were in fine form earlier this season when United faced Liverpool at Bramall Lane, and the game was only decided on a mistake when Dean Henderson allowed Gini Wijnaldum’s volley to slip through his hands and roll agonisingly over the line.

United are hoping that Egan will be declared fit for this weekend’s visit of Manchester United, after he went off at half-time of the Republic of Ireland’s 1-1 draw with Denmark earlier this week.