Wolves 1 – 2 Liverpool – PL Man of the Match

Virgil van Dijk
Liverpool Football Club

In a contest where it was always likely to be a combination of stagnation and stubbornness en route to victory, the result was all that mattered against a team that was desperate to earn something from the illustrious red men in opposition. Such encounters require both luck and patience, with the latter very much extending to the travelling fanbase as well as the players on the pitch.

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Defensive coordination and moments of vital reliability are crucial elements to ensuring an adequate result, though the participation of the attacking components is then needed to balance the requirements of the team. Within this Saturday evening’s game (against a team pinned to the bottom of the Premier League table), energy and intent were delivered by Gary O’Neil’s struggling side as they attempted to save the job of the under-fire man in the Wolves hot seat. Though the hosts were perhaps overindulgent in their desire to maintain possession in their defensive third, it was often a tactic which created space further up the field. To combat this courageous bout of attacking endeavour (by various vibrant Wolves players), the Liverpool captain, Virgil van Dijk, was the giant asset in red, best placed to organise and repel the offensive-minded players. His outstanding presence and ability to clear his lines is something that is often overlooked by the commentators and even his own supporters, given its regularity. The stature and world-class abilities of the world’s best central defender are never lost on those he has played against, with tonight probably solidifying his level with one or two of his Wolves opponents.

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Alisson Becker was at times superb and not at all at fault for the equalizing goal, whereas the other towering centre back, Ibrahima Konaté, was becoming a strong contender for the man of the match prize, until his indecision for the goal that the reds conceded. His superbly taken effort was vital to how the game eventually prospered, however, his good work throughout nearly the entirely of the game was marred by one moment of erratic action.

This game and subsequent performance by the Liverpool captain is the type of critical element that can define a season and deliver silverware. The bedrock of success has always rested on the imposing shoulders of the Dutch superstar, who continues to offer brilliance despite his advancing years. When any type of adversary challengers Virgil, he finds the correct style of play to ensure his team remains in the fight, even if the deck is stacked heavily against them. Today’s man of the match was the man who wears the famous armband and who is an example to all the players in his squad.

Next up Bologna, where the Italians will be facing the best in class.

Steven Smith