Virgil van Dijk paid tribute to Darwin Nunez after the striker's “well-deserved” late double saw Liverpool past Brentford.
The Premier League leaders looked set for a third straight draw as they struggled to beat the stubborn Bees at the Gtech Community Stadium.
However, Nunez climbed off the bench to score two well-crafted goals in stoppage time, taking all three points and putting Liverpool six points clear at the top.
The Uruguay international doubled his Premier League goal tally this season with his brace, and Van Dijk feels he is being rewarded for his hard work behind the scenes.
“Darwin, since the day he came in, he brings a lot of energy,” the Reds captain said after the match.
“As a striker you are judged by your goals. Maybe it is more difficult than ever. He is working hard and learning. Today he played a big role in the victory. It was well deserved.”
“You have to earn these things. As a striker you are judged on goals, especially at a club like Liverpool. Today he left his mark on the game. We need everyone at their best and today was his day.”
The two goals came from Liverpool's 36th and 37th shots of the match; the most they have ever recorded in a Premier League match (since 2003–04), including against Everton in April 2016.
The Reds also became the first team in the English top flight since Manchester City in November 2014 to register at least 20 shots in four head-to-head matches.
“It was very hard work,” said Van Dijk. “Brentford away is a tough place to get to, the way they push high, end up going to a low block and the quality they have on half-time.
“We did a good job. We kept working, kept trying. Today was a small piece of the puzzle. We have to keep going.”
Field view of Darwin's last minute heroics#TeamPixel | #ad pic.twitter.com/VfQPxTMAK8
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 19, 2025
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