Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate got his first goal of the season against Wolves today and he can thank Virgil van Dijk for his role in his header.
Konate rose higher than anyone to head home a cross from Diogo Jota as the Reds went into half-time in the lead.
The big Frenchman did everything right as he arrived with perfect timing to nod down towards goal and leave Sam Johnstone scrambling to get across.
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Of course, it’s normally Konate’s centre-back partner Van Dijk getting on the end of these sorts of cross.
However, it seems Van Dijk still played a big role in the goal, as pointed out by Gary Neville on co-commentary.
Virgil van Dijk helps Ibrahima Konate get his goal v Wolves
Speaking on the goal at the time on Sky Sports, pundit Neville pointed out what Van Dijk was screaming at his Liverpool teammates to do just before the goal.
“They hung up there, the two centre-backs. Van Dijk was having a go at them for passing it around the edge of the box, saying get it in the middle. And Jota got it back,” Neville said.
“You can see Van Dijk there in the middle with his arm up, what are you doing? Get it out wide and get it in the box.”
Van Dijk is Liverpool’s leader
At the end of the day, if Virgil van Dijk is barking orders at you in this Liverpool squad, then you do your best to try and obey those orders.
On this occasion, Van Dijk was proven spot on as Robertson’s delicious cross allowed Konate to get in and head home.
The little note from Neville here on Van Dijk’s influence is something to note as well and if the Dutchman doesn’t signal it, then the goal might never happen.
Once more, an example of fine leadership from the skipper to help the Reds to get ahead.
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