The way Virgil van Dijk performed against Brentford

Van Dijk put on an incredible performance in the back, leading his team to a convincing victory over Brentford—a team in dire need of a break after a terrible run of results—on his 250th game for Liverpool.

Ivan Toney may have scored his fourth Premier League goal in as many games after serving a lengthy suspension in the latter stages, but it was too little, too late as Liverpool’s sharp assaults overwhelmed the Bees.

Van Dijk’s defensive leadership was crucial in preventing Liverpool’s Salah and Nunez from going through Mark Flekken’s net.

The Netherlands star had a fantastic afternoon in the capital, finishing 90% of his passes from 80 touches, winning 100% of his aerial duels, and creating one big chance for his forward-surging teammates, according to Sofascore. He also lost possession just seven times.

Not only would it have crowned a magnificent effort, but the towering behemoth also shook the crossbar with a last-ditch header from Andy Robertson’s corner. However, this time it was not to be.

Even so, Van Dijk shown once more why he deserves to be called the best center-half in the Premier League, as James Pearce of The Athletic hailed him as Liverpool’s “most transformative signing” in modern history following the game.

The 32-year-old received an 8/10 match rating from Ian Doyle of the Liverpool Echo for his performance, saying in his post-match player ratings: “Solid enough and helped Liverpool repel Brentford threat at set-pieces first half and initiated opener.” tough when needed after the interval, dominated in the air, and struck the crossbar during injury time.

Although the plethora of injury concerns Liverpool has faced in the lead-up to their Carabao Cup final against Chelsea next weekend is concerning, there is every chance that the Reds will fulfil their silver-laden ambitions this season given Van Dijk’s unwavering defensive performances.