BBC Sport pundit Garth Crooks has highlighted Virgil van Dijk’s impact on Liverpool’s 3-0 win against Brentford on Sunday.
Writing in his Team of the Week column, the former player noted the Liverpool defender’s role in the first goal and his overall play against the Bees in what was a routine win for Jurgen Klopp’s side at Anfield.
Van Dijk was again his brilliant self in the Liverpool defence whilst also causing problems for Brentford in the attack, with his presence being key to Fabinho’s opener just before half-time from a Trent Alexander-Arnold corner.
Second-half goals from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Takumi Minamino secured the three points for Liverpool, yet for Crooks, it was Van Dijk who impressed the most against Brentford for the Reds.
The BBC pundit wrote: “Liverpool were unlucky not to go one up against Brentford when Van Dijk, a menace in any opposition’s penalty area, brought the ball down brilliantly and shot at goal, only to see his effort superbly saved by Alvaro Fernandez.”
Crooks added: “It was Van Dijk’s presence in Brentford’s box on another set-piece that created the opening for Fabinho to score for Liverpool. It’s clear the Netherlands international is a problem for rival defenders.”
Display against Brentford shows Van Dijk’s overall impact for Liverpool
A titan in defence and a threat in the attack, Van Dijk is a rare example of a defender who is a complete package on both sides of the pitch. And his display against Brentford showed why he is so important for Liverpool.
Indeed, the centre-back caused problems for Thomas Frank’s side whenever up for a set-piece. And for Liverpool, his presence in the frontline was key to claiming a huge three points against Brentford.
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