Roy Keane reacts to Virgil van Dijk's display in Liverpool win

By Jordan Harris

Roy Keane has told Super Sunday (broadcast on 16/10; 19:00) that Virgil van Dijk was very good for Liverpool in their win over Manchester City on Sunday.

Van Dijk was colossal at Anfield as the Reds picked up a huge win against the champions. Mohamed Salah scored the game’s only goal during the second-half. And Jurgen Klopp’s side looked a lot more like the old Liverpool team after a difficult season so far.

Of course, several Liverpool players looked transformed against City. Salah seemed to be back to his best and made the most of his opportunity once he capitalised on Joao Cancelo’s mistake.

But perhaps the most significant display came from van Dijk. Obviously, the Dutchman was tasked with trying to contain Erling Haaland. Haaland had only failed to score in one previous Premier League game before Sunday.

But van Dijk was sublime at the heart of the Liverpool defence. He made more clearances than any other player on the pitch, according to Whoscored. And Jamie Carragher suggested that he had not seen the 31-year-old play with more intensity.

van Dijk was really good

Keane did not get carried away given van Dijk’s recent form. But he did suggest that he was very impressed with his showing in the dramatic win.

“He did it well today,” he told Super Sunday. “But he’s not been doing that well this season. Before the game there was a lot of talk about his battles with Haaland.

“And obviously, he found that bit of intensity, and his pride kicked in and he wouldn’t have liked being criticised. And he turned up today and put in a very good performance.”

It is interesting that Haaland has failed to score in just three games since moving to Manchester City – and two of those were against Liverpool.

Of course, he missed a golden chance against the Reds in the Community Shield. But Liverpool gave him very little on Sunday.

Joe Gomez’s display must not be forgotten. He has had a difficult time in recent months. But he was outstanding as well.

But van Dijk’s display reminded absolutely everyone of how good he can be. He stepped up when Liverpool needed a huge performance.