'We need him': Virgil van Dijk says 'quick' Liverpool player was brilliant against AC Milan tonight

09/17/2024 06:26 PM

Liverpool had a number of top performers as they dispatched AC Milan on Tuesday night.

The Reds were under a little pressure at San Siro after falling to a first defeat of the season at the weekend.

With the new Champions League format still very much an unknown quantity, it was important that Liverpool bounced back in Milan.

Thankfully, they did exactly that. Despite an early setback as Christian Pulisic put the home team ahead, Liverpool roared back to claim a 3-1 win.

Dominik Szoboszlai was one of the stars of the show, with Alan Shearer handing the Hungarian his own player of the match award. But according to Virgil van Dijk, there was another player who shone, too.

Virgil van Dijk hails Cody Gakpo display

Szoboszlai was terrific against Milan and more than deserved his goal, the third of Liverpool’s night.

However, when the finish did come, it was a relatively simple one for the No.8. All of the hard work had been done by Cody Gakpo.

On commentary during the game, Shearer described Gakpo as ‘magnificent‘ in the way he powered through the Milan defence to set Szoboszlai up.

And speaking to LFCTV about the quality shown by his countryman, captain Van Dijk was equally as effusive in his praise.

READ MORE: Player ratings as Liverpool beat AC Milan 3-1 at San Siro

“He has so many good qualities,” raved the centre-back, after being asked about the part Gakpo played in the all important third goal.

“You can see it, he’s strong, he’s quick, he has an end product. Obviously that third goal was very good.

“Very pleased for him and now we need him for the rest of the season to be as good as well and I’ve not doubt we’ll need him.”

Cody Gakpo takes his chance

While Gakpo was used as something of a utility man by Jurgen Klopp last season, Arne Slot has been more clear in how he intends to use the 25-year-old.

Gakpo says Slot has told him he will be a left-winger this season and that’s where he played on Tuesday.

It must be said that Luis Diaz has deservedly earned himself the shirt on the left wing this season with his displays so far.

However, the Colombian was ineffectual against Nottingham Forest and it was good to see Slot make the change.

And from Gakpo’s point of view, it could hardly have gone better. Not only was the Dutchman responsible for creating Liverpool’s third goal, but he was direct, explosive and a real threat all night long. Great work, Cody.