Liverpool’s Champions League opener changed into one other well-known Anfield night time as Virgil van Dijk sealed victory with a towering stoppage time header towards Atletico Madrid.
The Dutch defender was not solely decisive on the scoreboard but additionally earned glowing reward from Diego Simeone, who noticed his aspect undone by our captain’s brilliance.
Simeone praises Virgil van Dijk after dramatic end
Talking in his post-match press convention, the Argentine coach mentioned: “We managed to equalise, and after that equaliser, in the previous few minutes, the group started to be pushed additional and additional again, and your legs begin to endure.
“There was a nook, and after the nook, they scored a large header. It was an important, nice purpose from Virgil van Dijk. We acquired an important opponent. Congratulations to them.”
That late second ensured we took all three factors, regardless of Atletico’s Marcos Llorente cancelling out earlier objectives from Mohamed Salah and Andrew Robertson – though one effort ought to have been dominated out.
Van Dijk was imperious all through the competition, successful six of his seven aerial duels, finishing 97% of his passes, and touching the ball 105 instances (through SofaScore).
He was not dribbled previous as soon as, reminding us why he stays the muse of Arne Slot’s defence.
Atletico coach highlights van Dijk’s high quality earlier than the sport
Apparently, Simeone had already praised our No.4 forward of kick-off, saying Liverpool “have an exquisite centre-back who can knock the ball round” when discussing our model of play (through TBR Soccer).
That prediction proved spot on because the Netherlands worldwide additionally accomplished three of his 4 tried lengthy passes to stretch the guests.
This efficiency follows latest feedback by Jamie Carragher, who positioned van Dijk amongst Liverpool’s all-time greats, highlighting his rising standing in our historical past.
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