Liverpool’s Champions League opener became one other well-known Anfield evening as Virgil van Dijk sealed victory with a towering stoppage time header in opposition to 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 stated: “We managed to equalise, and after that equaliser, in the previous couple of minutes, the staff started to be pushed additional and additional again, and your legs begin to undergo.
“There was a nook, and after the nook, they scored an enormous header. It was an ideal, nice objective from Virgil van Dijk. We acquired an ideal 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 occasions (by way of 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
Curiously, Simeone had already praised our No.4 forward of kick-off, saying Liverpool “have a beautiful centre-back who can knock the ball round” when discussing our fashion of play (by way of 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 current feedback by Jamie Carragher, who positioned van Dijk amongst Liverpool’s all-time greats, highlighting his rising standing in our historical past.
Be part of our channel of readers on WhatsApp to get the day’s high tales straight to your cellular
