Kalidou Koulibaly vs Virgil van Dijk
Per-90 stats comparison · Rising Transfers DNA Analysis · 2025/26 season
Data Verdict
Virgil van Dijk commands a higher market value (€18.0M vs €5.0M). Kalidou Koulibaly leads in tackles won / 90 and interceptions / 90. Virgil van Dijk is stronger in goals / 90 and clearances / 90. Overall, Kalidou Koulibaly holds the statistical edge across 4 of 6 comparable metrics.
Based on per-90 statistics · How we compare players →
Playing Style Profiles
Koulibaly remains one of football's most recognisable defensive presences, and even at this stage of his career in the Saudi Pro League, the data suggests he hasn't become a passenger. His press intensity ranks in the top 5% among defenders in the league—a counterintuitive finding for a player often reduced in conversation to his physical dominance, and a sign that his tactical engagement remains genuinely elite.
A Ball-Playing CB. Statistically, he stands out as commanding in the air (7.4 clearances/90), meticulous in distribution (89% pass accuracy), wins the physical battle (74% duel success), heavily involved in possession (74 passes/90), penetrates with forward passing (11.1 final-third passes/90), central to possession (86 touches/90), dominant in the air (4.5 aerials won/90, 73%) and uses long balls frequently (7.8/90).
Per-90 Statistics Comparison
| Metric | Kalidou Koulibaly | Virgil van Dijk | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goals / 90 | 0.06 | 0.11 | Virgil |
| Tackles won / 90 | 1.40 | 0.37 | Kalidou |
| Interceptions / 90 | 1.52 | 0.64 | Kalidou |
| Clearances / 90 | 3.32 | 7.42 | Virgil |
| Press intensity / 90 | 3.29 | 1.26 | Kalidou |
| Pass accuracy % | 89.50 | 89.30 | Kalidou |
All statistics per 90 minutes · 2025/26 season · FULL quality DNA data only
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the better player — Kalidou Koulibaly or Virgil van Dijk?
Virgil van Dijk commands a higher market value (€18.0M vs €5.0M). Kalidou Koulibaly leads in tackles won / 90 and interceptions / 90. Virgil van Dijk is stronger in goals / 90 and clearances / 90. Overall, Kalidou Koulibaly holds the statistical edge across 4 of 6 comparable metrics.
How is this comparison calculated?
Rising Transfers compares players using per-90 statistics normalised for playing time, combined with DNA playing style vectors built from 47 performance dimensions. This ensures fair comparison regardless of team, league, or playing time. Learn more about our comparison methodology →
What are their market values?
Kalidou Koulibaly has a market value of €5.0M, while Virgil van Dijk is valued at €18.0M.