Though he may be known as one of the best defenders in the English Premier League, don’t forget for a second Virgil van Dijk is also a dangerous threat inside the box for Liverpool.
Image from: Liverpool FC
He proved that once again on Saturday, as the 6-4 stud headed in a pair of goals to give his team a solid 2-1 win at Anfield over Brighton, keeping them eight points clear of Leicester City at the top of the league standings.
For van Dijk, he got his memorable day started in the 18th minute, firing in a brilliant header thanks to an equally brilliant pass from Trent Alexander-Arnold. A Liverpool lad born and raised, Alexander-Arnold wasn’t done setting up his big-bodied teammate.
Six minutes later, the two combined for another fantastic goal, with van Dijk finding the net once again thanks to a powerful header. The Reds dominated in the first half, leading to their 2-0 lead at the break.
In the second half, though, there was a bit of drama, as goalie Alisson Becker was sent off with a red card for using his hands outside the box to prevent a Brighton goal. Unfortunately for Liverpool, Brighton would go on to score in the 79th minute to set off a bit of a panic at Anfield.
Fortunately, a 10-man Liverpool side was able to hold off the Brighton charge late and come away with the three points. In 14 matches, Liverpool now has 40 points, which has them well above second place Leicester City with its 32.
Next up for Liverpool is a showdown at Anfield with Everton on Wednesday, Dec. 4.