In a thrilling match against Atletico Madrid, Virgil van Dijk showcased his prowess by scoring a stunning 92nd-minute header, sealing a dramatic 3-2 victory for Liverpool at the iconic Kop end. This remarkable goal marked the 29th in his career with the Reds.

Now in his third season as captain, van Dijk signed a new contract in April and has since hit a significant milestone by making 325 appearances for the club. His leadership has been pivotal, particularly as he played a crucial role in guiding Liverpool to a title-winning campaign last season, earning him a spot in the prestigious 2024-25 PFA Premier League Team of the Year.

Under the guidance of Arne Slot, Liverpool has had an impressive start to the season, winning their last five matches. Commenting on van Dijk’s impactful performances, Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher reflected on the significance of his contributions.

"At Liverpool, many players are dubbed legends for their silverware, but there's a select few who qualify as giants of the club. I'm talking about icons like Steven Gerrard, Kenny Dalglish, and Mo Salah," Carragher stated. He confidently placed van Dijk among these elite figures, asserting, "Without a doubt, he belongs right in the mix with the best of them. He will be remembered as one of the greatest players ever to don the Liverpool jersey—not just as a top defender, but as an all-time great."

Van Dijk’s journey and accomplishments further cement his status in Liverpool's illustrious history, as fans and pundits alike eagerly discuss his legacy.