3. Virgil van Dijk’s Raking Pass
In his initial games for Liverpool, Virgil van Dijk has drawn plaudits for his defending. He is the kind of aerial defender Liverpool have been crying out for since Sami Hyypia left the club. The Dutchman has been imperious at the back and everything you hope for in a record signing.
However we have only just begun to see what he can offer the club with the ball. Obviously his debut goal against Everton proves his goal threat at set pieces. Though it is one pass in particular from last night that has Liverpool fans in awe.
In the first half, when Liverpool were trying to exert control over the match, van Dijk receives the ball under no pressure at the back. He then pings a perfectly weighted 50-yard pass to Trent Alexander-Arnold on the wing which immediately sets up an attack.
While 50-yard passes are not super rare there are a couple of things about this one that makes it special. Firstly how van Dijk takes a look down the field before he even receives the ball. You can see in the video above; that glance lets him know where that pass needs to go.
Secondly, the spin on the ball keeps it from flying out of play. You can see it almost fade in the air and come back a little, rather than soar out of bounds. It looks like a wedge shot with backspin that Dustin Johnson might pull off. An exceptional pass from the big man.