A section of the Liverpool supporters were delighted with the showing of Virgil van Dijk during the 5-0 home win over Watford in the Premier League on Wednesday night.
The Reds had gone into the game with the need to preserve their one-point lead over Manchester City at the top of the standings, and they managed to do so in sublime fashion with a comfortable victory over the Hornets.
Sadio Mane made the early difference with two goals within the opening 20 minutes of the clash and the Reds were able to preserve the advantage heading into the half-time interval.
Thereafter, Divock Origi increased the lead after the hour mark before Van Dijk come into his own with two late headed goals from sublime crosses from Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson respectively.
Here are some of the reactions following the game;
https://twitter.com/FalseFirmino/status/1100872199542636546
• Top of the league.
• Clean sheet.
• Manè’s backheel got me pregnant.
• Divock Origi was brilliant.
• Van Dijk is the best CB in the world.
• Fabinho is a Rolls-Royce.
• TAA was immense.
• 10 league games left.
• Everton (A), next.Have a good week.
— – (@AnfieldRd96) February 27, 2019
https://twitter.com/smtm__LFC/status/1100867907242917888
https://twitter.com/EnRouteAnfield/status/1101211671861833728
a liverpool defender has scored twice in one game. This is why Virgil Van Dijk is worth 75 million
— Joshua (@HighBurgers) February 27, 2019
Van Dijk has certainly made the difference in terms of the defensive displays for the Reds this term, and they are currently the holding the best defence across the top leagues across the European continent.
Moreover, the Reds have made Anfield a Premier League fortress since Van Dijk made the switch 13 months ago – with 17 wins and four draws resulting from the 21 matches in the Dutchman’s presence.
Van Dijk has no doubt brought the much-needed stability required in the defensive scheme of things, but the the centre-back is also an aerial threat in the opposition box which was quite visible against Javi Gracia’s side.
As such, he can be regarded as the complete defender with no major weaknesses in his style of play and it will be interesting to see whether his performances can propel the Reds to their maiden Premier League title.
Liverpool have a much-anticipated Merseyside derby at Everton this weekend.
Image – Getty