In a phenomenal six second sequence, Virgil van Dijk once again proved why he is considered the Premier League’s number one centre-back as Liverpool secured a huge three points against Tottenham Hotspur.
With the game finely balanced at 1-1, Tottenham executed a superb counter attack from a Liverpool corner that left them in a 2v1 situation, but Moussa Sissoko somehow blazed over the bar.
The game would remain tied until stoppage time, when Liverpool would snatch the three points at the Kop end when Toby Alderweireld bundled the ball across his own goal line.
Bedlam ensured - but thoughts would soon turn to the defining moment just minutes before, and the massive part Van Dijk played in it.
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By the time Sissoko unleashed his effort, the chance of his shot leading to a goal was dramatically decreased; so much so, that Opta didn’t define the shot as a ‘big chance’’ and the xG value was as low as 0.12 with some models.
The xG of 0.12 essentially means Sissoko had just a 12% chance of finding the back of the net - a remarkable result given the situation first presented to the Reds.
This is how Van Dijk did it - with help from two specific team-mates.
Although we know different, from this moment, it seems near impossible that Spurs won't create a goal or at least shot on target.
As Sissoko progresses with the ball, the expected reaction from Van Dijk would be to charge towards the attacker in possession, therein trying to limit the goal scoring threat of the opponent.
Yet Van Dijk elects to maintain a horizontal run. In doing so, he bestows a free run at goal for Sissoko in possession, which would traditionally prove a dangerous move. Yet critically in this situation, he cuts off the passing angle to Son Heung-min
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What is most impressive about this action is the fact it was calculated choice by the big Dutchman.
Analysing his own thought process after the game he said: “I see Sissoko and I know he’s right footed, and Son normally finishes these chances, so yeah, I decide from that”.
Through the whole progression towards goal, Sissoko’s unwillingness to drive into the box is clear. When eventually arriving at the edge of the 18-yard-box, the Frenchman’s body shape again highlights a desperation to lay the ball off to his attacking team-mate Son.
Van Dijk remains unfazed and maintains a defensive position that proves the angled pass to Son impossible.
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At this stage, the momentum of the attack has been slowed down so much by the Liverpool defender that, even if Son halted his run for a cut back pass from Sissoko, the onrushing Andy Robertson would be in a position to intercept.
Left with no other option, Sissoko is reluctantly forced to take a shot towards Alisson Becker’s goal.
This is because Van Dijk’s incoming sliding challenge restricts any possibility of the shot heading towards Alisson’s left-hand side.
Meanwhile the Brazllian’s positioning in goal limits the Frenchman’s shooting angle to the point where perhaps his only realistic target would by Alisson’s top right hand corner.
Eventually his shot is ballooned over the bar much to the relief of the Anfield crowd and to the credit of the formidable Van Dijk.
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A little over three minutes later, Mohammed Salah’s headed eventually found its way into the back of the net thanks to a calamitous error by Hugo Lloris to send Anfield into rapture.
Van Dijk’s cool head prevailed and played a huge part in Liverpool securing another vital three points in a title race that's set to go to the wire.
