Liverpool has had a tough week.
First, Liverpool fans were criticized around the globe as a few jackasses acted like assholes while visiting Barcelona before the Champions League semifinal first leg. Then Liverpool played well but lost 3-0 in that match because Lionel Messi. On Friday, the Reds found out Naby Keita is out for two months after picking up a knock against Barça.
So to brighten up the day of glum Liverpool fans everywhere — at least until Rafa Benitez earns a 1-1 draw at St. James’ Park on Saturday — enjoy this absurd Virgil van Dijk Celtic goal, scored when the Dutch defender was a 22-year-old center back in the Scottish Premiership.
Virgil van Dijk might be the best thing to come out of Neymar’s transfer to PSG. Barcelona used that money to buy Philippe Coutinho from Liverpool, which in turn used that cash to get van Dijk from Southampton. (Technically the VVD move was completed before Coutinho was sold, but Liverpool knew it would be getting some money to spend.)
The towering defender scored 15 goals in 115 appearances in three seasons for the Hoops. In comparison, van Dijk’s been in the Premier League for five seasons now and has 13 goals between Southampton and Liverpool.
Not that Jurgen Klopp bought van Dijk for his goal scoring. The No. 4 has been a massive part of Liverpool’s Premier League title chase, one of the best players in the league and easily the best defender (sorry, Shkodran Mustafi).
Liverpool might need a goal from van Dijk in the closing weeks of the season, with the Reds a point behind Manchester City with two games to play in the Premier League.