91 passes, 91.2% pass accuracy – 6ft 4in Liverpool ace was scintillating v Atletico Madrid

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Liverpool reached the last 16 of the Champions League with victory over Atletico Madrid on Wednesday night.

The Reds ran out 2-0 winners at Anfield, with Trent Alexander-Arnold setting up goals for Diogo Jota and Sadio Mane.

Liverpool took the lead in the 13th minute as Jota headed home from point-blank range from a superb Alexander-Arnold delivery.

In the 21st minute, the 23-year-old split the Atletico defence open with a pass for Mane, whose first-time finish doubled the Reds’ lead.

Liverpool could have easily scored more, but they missed a number of chances, while Jota saw another striker ruled out for offside.

Atleti then found the back of the net, but Luis Suarez’s deflected shot was also chalked off.

While Liverpool once again impressed on the attack, the back line did a great job in keeping the visitors at bay.

Virgil van Dijk had a slight dip in form in the last few weeks but was back to his best on Wednesday night.

The 30-year-old clocked up an impressive 99 touches of the ball and made 91 passes, with an accuracy of 91.2 percent.

Van Dijk also weighed in with four clearances, won five aerials, played five accurate long balls, and had one effort at the other end.

The 6ft 4in ace looked comfortable against a powerful opponent and, along with Joel Matip, kept opposition chances to a minimum.

The Telegraph gave Van Dijk 8 out of 10 and wrote: “Has endured a slight dip in the last few weeks.

“Understandable given the length of his lay-off, and he is so good few have actually noticed. Back to his best here, though.”

And the Liverpool Echo wrote: “Further flashes of the old composure and class, much improved on his showing in Madrid.”

Van Dijk was truly missed last year but now he’s not only back in the fold but also approaching his very best form once again.

Liverpool are now unbeaten in 16 games and haven’t tasted defeat in 25 matches.