Virgil van Dijk celebrates Liverpool milestone after Brentford comeback

Liverpool recovered from Keane Lewis-Potter’s first-half opener to win 2-1 at the Gtech Community Stadium on Saturday. Víctor Muñoz equalised after the hour before Alexander Isak scored the winner, with Brentford finishing the match with nine players following the dismissals of Yehor Yarmoliuk and Vitaly Janelt.

Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, Van Dijk reflected on the significance of the milestone and the responsibility that comes with leading the team.

“I help with everything I can, on and off the pitch. Leading by example is how it starts but obviously it is not always easy coming to a different country and adapting as soon as possible, but they did well.

“Keep learning, keep going and keep wanting to be important, and that is definitely the case. To be the club captain of Liverpool FC is such a big honour.

“It isn't something I thought about because it was far too out of reach, but to be in that bracket is amazing. It is an absolute honour and I am really blessed.”

The Dutch defender also praised Liverpool’s response after going behind against a Brentford side that had been difficult to beat at home. The visitors had to remain patient before taking advantage of their numerical superiority in the second half.

“Brentford were 1-0 up but we were doing pretty well. We dealt with their danger pretty well. We were 1-0 down but the message [at half time] was play around it and make sure we are ready in transition because they are good in set-pieces.

“[We needed to] stay patient. Be aware of their strengths being set-pieces and counter-attacks, and make the right decisions with the ball and get the ball into the box.

“I think we did that second half pretty well. Let's hope [the win means we're becoming more resilient]. I didn't know it was that long [since Brentford had lost at home], but it is a good sign.”

Van Dijk said the victory was especially valuable given the demands of playing at Brentford, where Liverpool had to work hard to secure all three points.

“It is a very tough place to come and it showed. Teams that come here, including ourselves over the years, they always have it tough. I am happy that we took the three points.”

He also backed Florian Wirtz to keep responding to the scrutiny that comes with playing for Liverpool, while praising Muñoz’s contribution to the comeback.

“I think Flo is doing well. He is always going to be in the spotlight playing for Liverpool - one of the biggest clubs in the world. It is just about him showing each and every game that he is a Liverpool player.”

Van Dijk’s milestone came on a demanding afternoon that tested Liverpool’s patience and resilience. Their response after half-time ensured the captain’s landmark appearance ended with three important points.