Virgil van Dijk has once again marked himself out as a key leader for Liverpool in new footage that has emerged from their win over Wolves.
The Reds looked to be on course for a frustrating draw at Molineux on Saturday after wasting a number of clear-cut chances, including one of the misses of the season so far from Diogo Jota.
Liverpool eventually broke through in the fourth minute of injury time – Divock Origi providing his now customary late winner to snatch all three points for the Reds, who moved briefly top of the Premier League after the win before Manchester City replaced them just a few hours later.
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In new footage that has emerged from Saturday’s match, Van Dijk can been seen applauding his midfield team-mates as they push in search of the winner.
In the footage, Fabinho wins back possession with a perfectly-timed slide tackle – prompting Van Dijk to clap the Brazilian.
Moments later, Thiago slides in to take the ball away from Wolves danger man Adama Traore, with Van Dijk again applauding the determination of his team-mate.
Fans on social media have compared Van Dijk’s reaction to that of a proud parent.
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“Virgil just watching Fabinho and Thiago winning their duels and clapping along like a proud dad,” tweeted @Watch_LFC.
Van Dijk now looks back to his best after missing the majority of last season with cruciate ligament damage which he sustained in the Merseyside derby in October 2020.
His absence severely affected the Reds, who could only manage a fourth-place finish in the Premier League – just a year after winning the title.
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Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is delighted with Van Dijk’s return to form and his influence on the side.
Speaking earlier this month, Klopp said: "He came back brilliant. He had a good pre-season, which was absolutely helpful.
"Since then we have had to learn a little bit to deal with it. With the third game in a week, even when he looks fine, maybe he needs a little break. I'm not sure if we have to do that still.
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"But his comeback has been absolutely brilliant, and if some things are not exactly like they have been, it's only a matter of time before they will be."
Liverpool next face AC Milan in the Champions League on Tuesday, having already secured top spot in their group.
Klopp’s men return to Premier League action on Saturday against their former captain Steven Gerrard and his Aston Villa side.
Featured Image Credit: LFCTVTopics: Virgil Van Dijk, Football, Liverpool, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Premier League
