Virgil van Dijk actually did something for the first time in his Liverpool career vs Bournemouth
Virgil van Dijk captained Liverpool to a thrilling victory against Bournemouth in the Premier League on Friday.
Anfield hosted Andoni Iraola’s team on 15 August in what turned out to be an exciting watch for the neutrals in the English top flight’s curtain raiser for the 2025/26 season.
Hugo Ekitike scored on his debut for the Reds before Cody Gakpo doubled the lead, but Antoine Semenyo had other ideas and scored a brace to equalise for the Cherries.
However, Federico Chiesa came in clutch for the Merseyside outfit in the 88th minute before Mohamed Salah equalled Sergio Aguero’s record for the most Premier League goals scored at a single stadium with his strike in stoppage time.
Van Dijk makes most clearances in Premier League game for Liverpool vs Bournemouth
Van Dijk registered 17 clearances against Bournemouth in the 4-2 victory.
OptaJoe revealed on X on 15 August that 13 of the centre-back’s clearances were with his head, and both records were his most in a single Premier League game.
It was the Netherlands international’s 235th appearance in the English top flight for the Reds, who got their title defence off to a perfect start at Anfield.
| Premier League game vs Bournemouth | Statistics |
| Minutes played | 90 |
| Distance covered | 9km |
| Passes into final third | 9 |
| Defensive cotributions | 21 |
| Ground duels won (percentage) | 1 (100%) |
| Aeria duels won (percentage) | 12 (92%) |
The 34-year-old will be hoping to win his third league title at the Merseyside outfit as Richard Hughes looks to build a competitive squad for Arne Slot in L4.
Ibrahima Konate struggled against Bournemouth, and it was the captain who arguably had to pull some of the French defender’s slack.
Van Dijk is still undoubtedly the best defender at the Dutch manager’s disposal, and he should continue to play a key role for at least another couple of years.
Read More: Jeremie Frimpong debut analysed – Liverpool can forget about Trent Alexander-Arnold
Who will partner Van Dijk this season?
Marc Guehi has been a concrete target at Anfield this summer, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see Crystal Palace cash in on the centre-back, who has just one year left on his contract.
Liverpool could potentially be left in a dilemma with Konate in the final weeks of the transfer window, as he will be a free agent at the end of the season as things stand.
Slot has an exciting prospect in Giovanni Leoni at his disposal, and the 18-year-old Italian may stake his claim at Anfield soon.
If Guehi does sign for the Merseysiders, it would make sense for him to partner Van Dijk in L4, considering Konate’s uncertain situation.
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