Van Dijk after Liverpool win it late: ‘Darwin made a difference’ | OneFootball

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk says second half substitute Darwin Nunez deserved his two late goals against Brentford after a difficult season so far.

Two goals in second half stoppage time for Nunez fired Arne Slot’s side to a seven point lead in the race for the Premier League title.

The Uruguayan striker doubled his league tally for the season with his late brace, having only scored two goals after struggled for form and game time.

Speaking after the match, Liverpool captain van Dijk was full of praise for his forward after a difficult match for the league leaders.

“It was a lot of hard work,” van Dijk said. “Brentford away is a difficult place to come. The way they press high, eventally going to a low block and the quality they have on the break. We did well. We kept working, kept trying. Eventually Darwin made a difference with the two goals.

“We’ve experienced it two games in a row – especially the second half against Forest. It’s also quality from Brentford that they want you to try to force it a bit because they’ll get you on the break. We did well and limited them.

“Darwin since the day he came in he brings a lot of energy. As a striker you’re judged by your goals. Maybe it’s tougher than ever. He’s working hard and learning. Today he had a massive part of the victory. It was well deserved.

“Today was a small piece of the puzzle. We have to keep going.

“You have to earn these things. As a striker you get judged on goals especially at a club like Liverpool. Today he put his mark on the game. Very important. We need everyone at their best. Today was his day.”

“There is no walk in the park. Every game, teams are very good. They want to play their best game against us like we want to play our best game against them.

“If nobody is ready for a bumpy ride then this season will definitely be one.”