Klopp: Why I think Van Dijk doesn’t score more

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Virgil van Dijk notched a brace last night to help put Watford to the sword.

Liverpool ran out 5-0 winners in what was a very enjoyable Anfield evening under the lights.

Such was the ease in which van Dijk climbed above Watford’s defenders and nodded past Ben Foster, the question as to why the Dutchman doesn’t score more goals was posed.

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After all, he’s basically invincible in the air, and has incredible composure in all situations.

Jurgen Klopp did his best to explain.

“It’s difficult for Virg, because the refs allow all these box challenges with him. Defensively they try to block him out. Offensively they try to do everything to keep him away from the ball, actually,” the boss told his post-match interview.

“It helps having a second or a third threat around, because very often, he’s not marked, he’s stopped!

“But coming into these moments (scoring) was really nice to see, and of course, the crowd enjoys it!”

We’ve actually scored more goals from set-pieces than any other side this season – which feels weird as it seems to every fan like we mess so many up!

So perhaps just the presence of van Dijk has helped, as he likely requires at least two men to take care of him.

His performance last night was sensational again, of course.

But so was that of his partner, Joel Matip. The Cameroonian rarely gets the praise he deserves from Reds – but he’s played a big part in the team racking up four consecutive clean-sheets in all competitions.

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