VIRGIL VAN DIJK’S confidence on the ball is part of the reason the Liverpool defender has risen to become one of the best in world football.
But it is the Dutchman’s faith whenever teammate Mohamed Salah picks up possession that has gone viral after the Egyptian’s goal in the Reds’ 3-1 win over Newcastle.
A double from Sadio Mane overturned Jetro Willems’ opener, before Salah struck to maintain Liverpool’s 100 per cent start to the season.
But it was Van Dijk who was cheering the longest, with the 28-year-old continuing his habit of celebrating goals well before they actually go in.
The defender raised his arms wide back on the halfway line as soon as Roberto Firmino produced a magnificent back-heel to play Salah in.
The former Roma star still had a lot to do to finish past Martin Dubravka, but he repaid van Dijk’s belief in him by slotting home his fourth goal of the season.
And it’s not the first time the Holland International has backed Salah to score before the ball has even left his boot.
The Golden Boot winner netted a stunning solo effort in the 3-1 win over Arsenal last month after spinning David Luiz to slot past Bernd Leno.
But fans noticed van Dijk throw his arms out the second Salah entered the Gunners penalty area all the way back in his own half.
He was also pictured prematurely celebrating the Egypt star’s strike during Liverpool’s 4-0 win over Porto in the Champions League last season.
Although it was Salah van Dijk was spotted cheering on, the ex-Southampton star hailed Firmino after Liverpool’s comeback win against Newcastle.
Speaking to BT Sport after the match, he said: “He’s a very important player for all of us.
“I know how difficult it is for a centre-back if the striker is dropping – you don’t want to go as a central defender. He is making life difficult for any defender in the world.
“He is so good and I’m very happy he’s in my team.”
SOURCE: thesun.co.uk
