He didn’t rating a purpose, however Virgil van Dijk was the true inspiration behind Liverpool’s very important 2-0 win over Manchester Metropolis on Sunday.
Liverpool dominated virtually from begin to end towards the defending champions, who are actually on a seven-game winless streak throughout all competitions — shedding their final 4 within the Premier League.
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Cody Gakpo opened the scoring within the twelfth minute, tapping house after being picked out by an outstanding go from Mohamed Salah, who completed the job with a 78th-minute penalty.
It ought to have been a extra emphatic scoreline for Liverpool, who handed up quite a few probabilities to increase their lead.
Van Dijk missed just a few stated probabilities, together with placing a free header huge of the mark within the nineteenth minute.
Nonetheless, that couldn’t take away from a colossal defensive efficiency from the Dutchman.
Van Dijk made an enormous seven clearances all through the match to maintain Man Metropolis away from the Liverpool purpose, whereas additionally making three interceptions, one restoration, two blocks and one deal with.
The 33-year-old additionally gained three of his 4 aerial duels and 4 of seven general duels, whereas on the ball, he misplaced simply three of his 37 tried passes.
There was a bushy second for Van Dijk late on when he was caught in possession by Kevin De Bruyne however even then, goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher was readily available to spare his captain’s blushes.
Neville hails Virgil van Dijk
Virgil van Dijk in motion for Liverpool towards Man Metropolis. (Picture by Carl Recine/Getty Photos)
That late error didn’t cease Neville from lavishing Van Dijk with reward.
“Van Dijk has been a large right now,” the previous Man Utd defender declared on Sky Sports activities.
Neville would go on to call Van Dijk as Man of the Match, which was nicely deserved after a monstrous efficiency.
Liverpool will look to proceed their momentum once they journey to Newcastle on Wednesday earlier than going to Goodison Park for the final time within the league subsequent weekend.