Liverpool’s late victory over Everton didn’t simply give us three large factors, it additionally reminded everybody precisely why Virgil van Dijk stays so essential to this facet.
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The Dutchman’s dramatic winner has now been recognised externally too, with Troy Deeney choosing our captain in his Premier League group of the week.
Deeney explains Van Dijk choice after derby winner
Writing for BBC Sport, the previous Watford striker didn’t overcomplicate his reasoning when it got here to together with the Liverpool No.4.
He stated: “You play the Merseyside derby, you’re the captain and rating proper on the finish of the sport to nick it. You’re within the group.”
It’s a easy evaluation, however one that completely captures the magnitude of the second, with Van Dijk stepping up when it mattered most in one of many largest fixtures of our season.
The Netherlands worldwide not solely delivered the decisive aim, but additionally produced a robust defensive show all through, underlining why he continues to be seen because the chief of this group.
Van Dijk displaying management when Liverpool want it most
For us, this efficiency wasn’t nearly one header in stoppage time, it was concerning the affect he brings throughout 90 minutes, particularly in high-pressure video games like this.
Stats from the match underline his affect, with eight clearances, 4 recoveries and a aim to cap off a dominant displaying on the again (through Sofascore).
Jamie Carragher has already pointed to the significance of our skilled core, highlighting how Van Dijk and Mo Salah determined the sport, whereas Markus Babbel just lately described the 34-year-old as nonetheless being “the tower within the again” regardless of a difficult marketing campaign.
That wider context issues, as a result of even when Liverpool haven’t been at their finest this season, the captain has nonetheless delivered in defining moments like this one.
With a vital run-in forward, performances just like the one at Everton may show decisive in securing Champions League soccer, and if we’re going to get there, it feels more and more seemingly that Van Dijk could have a significant say in it.
