Liverpool made a strong statement to the rest of the Premier League with a composed victory over Manchester City on Sunday.
Historically, the Reds have struggled to break City down at the Etihad Stadium, where securing three points has been a challenge. However, that changed this time, as Liverpool capitalized on the moment to secure an impressive 2-0 win.
As has often been the case this season, Mohamed Salah grabbed the headlines, but the victory was a collective effort. One of the standout yet often overlooked performers was Virgil van Dijk, who expertly led his defense to a clean sheet.
Van Dijk has a knack for making tough tasks look effortless, and according to Troy Deeney, he did just that once again at the Etihad.
Van Dijk’s ‘Sunday Walk’ Moment
The 33-year-old Dutch defender has been a commanding presence for Liverpool this season, having played every single Premier League minute so far.
On Sunday, he and Ibrahima Konaté were resolute, restricting City to just five shots on target. While the entire defensive unit contributed, Van Dijk remained the undisputed leader at the back.
Deeney highlighted a moment during the match where Van Dijk’s composure was on full display. Speaking on BBC Match of the Day, the former striker pointed out how Van Dijk appeared to be taking a “Sunday walk” during a City attack.
“I want you to watch Van Dijk—I noticed this during the game,” Deeney said while analyzing first-half footage. “This is a Sunday walk for him. He looks around, sees no danger in the box, and just strolls. This is at the Etihad, by the way, and he’s completely at ease. Well done, lads—no worries, we’re comfortable.”
Jamie Carragher’s One-Word Verdict
Unusually, Van Dijk did not give his immediate reaction after the game, despite regularly speaking to the media post-match. However, his performance drew plenty of praise.
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher was among those who took notice. Reacting to an X post featuring Van Dijk and Konaté, Carragher summed up their display in a single word:
“Colossal,” he wrote, accompanied by a flexed bicep emoji and a sunglasses-wearing smiley face.
That description couldn’t be more fitting. While Konaté was outstanding in his own right, Van Dijk was the true leader. Where would Liverpool be without him?
Leave a Reply