"I think with 10 men" - Virgil van Dijk on Liverpool's performance against Palace
Liverpool centre-back Virgil van Dijk has opened up on last night's clash against Crystal Palace at Anfield.
The Premier League fixture ended in a 1-1 draw. However, the game could have panned out very differently had Reds striker Darwin Nunez kept his composure.
The Uruguay international was sent off for headbutting Crystal Palace defender Joachim Andersen. Van Dijk believes that Liverpool reacted well to the sending off.
But, the Dutchman implied that he was disappointed with his teammate.
"I think with 10 men we played outstanding. We put them under pressure, obviously we took a lot of risk because we had to score the equaliser and were hoping to get the winner," he told The Independent, as quoted by Anfield Watch on Twitter.
"But I think we should not come with 10 men, it should not happen. (Luis Diaz is) a fantastic player. It’s obviously something we need and he provided that bit of special action He can be so much better - he’s an incredible player already. We’ll see what the future brings."
Anfield Watch Verdict
We completely agree with Van Dijk's opinion. Liverpool certainly lifted after the red card.
Diaz found the back of the net shortly after. But, Nunez should never have put himself in a position to be sent off.
However, these things sometimes happen in a game of football. Nunez will be a better person and player as a result.
It would be fair to assume that Reds boss Jurgen Klopp will be having a stern word with the Uruguayan in private about the incident.
The reality is, you can't be headbutting someone out on the pitch.