Virgil van Dijk theory raised after interaction with referee before late Liverpool winner
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Leon Osman has explained how he thinks Virgil van Dijk managed to get his winner for Liverpool against Atletico Madrid, with an exchange with the referee potentially having played a part.
The Red had looked to be heading for a draw in their opening Champions League game of the season after Marcos Llorente once again grabbed a double at Anfield to bring the visitors level after Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah had given the hosts the lead early on.
Liverpool once again managed to find a late, late winner this season though, with Van Dijk heading home from Dominik Szoboszlai’s corner in stoppage time to continue what has been a perfect start to the season for the Reds.
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The goal sparked a remarkable outburst from Diego Simeone on the sideline, with the Atletico boss sent off after clashing with supporters behind the visitors’ bench.
Van Dijk’s header came after a succession of corners as Liverpool searched for its winner, with the Reds captain seen remonstrating with referee Maurizio Mariani, seemingly unhappy with the attention he was getting from Robin Le Normand.
The Dutchman would eventually get the better of his opponent to secure all three points for his side, with former Everton midfielder Osman suggesting the Liverpool captain may have been helped by his conversations with the referee.
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Virgil van Dijk celebrates his late goal vs Atletico Madrid.
“Virgil van Dijk was on to the referee at previous corners about being fouled to basically get his space, to make sure he wasn't marked too tightly,” Osman told the BBC’s Match of the Day.
“I think speaking to the referee at previous corners actually helped him get a little bit more space.
“As the corner comes in, he gets away from Le Normand, who isn’t looking at the ball.
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