Virgil van Dijk was the Netherlands’ hero on Monday night, as his last-gasp volley fired his country into the UEFA Nations League finals.
Liverpool’s towering centre-back captained Holland as they made the trip to face arch-rivals Germany, with Gini Wijnaldum also starting for the visitors.
Just a draw was required to take Ronald Koeman’s side into next summer’s showcase event in Portugal, but it didn’t start well.
The Dutch found themselves 2-0 down at half-time, only for a dramatic late fightback to occur.
Former Reds transfer target Quincy Promes got one goal back, before Van Dijk enjoyed his biggest moment in a Netherlands shirt to date.
The 27-year-old volleyed home a superb effort in the dying seconds, sending his nation through in memorable fashion.
It further highlighted the influence Van Dijk possesses these days, with arguably no defender in world football superior to him.
Not only is he a magnificent centre-back, but his threat at the other end of the pitch is also huge.
It remains bizarre that Van Dijk has still only scored once for Liverpool, in that respect, having netted on his debut against Everton in January.
The Dutchman will now return to club action with the Reds, where his presence will be vital at Watford on Saturday.
