LIVERPOOL, England – On April 14, 2025, Virgil van Dijk made headlines after a dramatic match at Anfield, where he scored a late winner against West Ham United, edging Liverpool closer to Premier League title glory.
During his post-match media duties, Van Dijk was momentarily distracted from questions by the arrival of Sean Cox, a Liverpool fan whose courageous battle after a brutal assault outside the stadium years before showed the unbreakable bond between the club and its supporters. Van Dijk warmly greeted Sean and his family, emphasizing the importance of support in these tough times.
“It’s good to see you — it’s been a while. I’ll come and see you guys shortly,” Van Dijk told reporters, reflecting on the deep connection between players and fans.
The match itself was a rollercoaster, beginning with Luis Diaz’s early strike in the 18th minute. However, anxiety gripped the Anfield crowd when West Ham equalized after a defensive mix-up. With emotions running high, it looked like Liverpool might drop points.
But in the dying moments, Van Dijk transformed the atmosphere, heading home from a corner taken by Alexis Mac Allister, a goal that sent fans into a frenzy and secured vital points for the title race. “Obviously, there was time to make it right, and luckily we did,” Van Dijk said post-match. “We train a lot on it and I try to be important. Finally today, I could score the winner.”
Now leading Arsenal by 13 points with only six games remaining, Liverpool is on the brink of clinching the Premier League title. Van Dijk’s leadership and performance, especially after transitioning into a more proactive role under coach Arne Slot, have been pivotal this season.
“We know we still have to win two more games,” Van Dijk continued, demonstrating his commitment to not just personal achievement but to the team’s ambitions as well. “My full focus is on Leicester.”
As Van Dijk celebrated his 100th league game for Liverpool, he acknowledged the emotional weight of the day, coinciding with the Hillsborough anniversary. “It was an emotional day… the main focus was to get three points,” he noted, underscoring the significance of the victory for the community.
Meanwhile, Mohamed Salah also shone during the match, providing an exquisite assist and further solidifying his record in the Premier League this season. The performance of both Van Dijk and Salah sets a strong foundation for Liverpool’s summer transfer plans.
“I think Liverpool should be able to challenge for titles in the upcoming years,” Van Dijk shared, hinting at the club’s ambitious plans in the transfer market. His potential new contract, expected to be announced soon, could be a cornerstone for those efforts.
“Whatever happens in the summer in terms of players going out and coming in, I think it should be a big summer,” he remarked, emphasizing the importance of strategic recruitment.
As Liverpool prepares for the final stretch of the season, fans remain excited as the club looks to build on both current success and future aspirations. The collective hope is not just for this title, but for a sustained period of excellence underpinned by leadership from figures like Van Dijk.
