Virgil van Dijk moment in West Ham win speaks volumes about Liverpool captain

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LIVERPOOL 5-2 WEST HAM: Virgil van Dijk scored his third goal in six Premier League games as Liverpool continued their good form in pursuit of a Champions League placeAs if it were needed, Virgil van Dijk gave the Kop an old-fashioned reminder of his love for the club. He has always seemed too cool to be a badge-kisser but that is what it looked like the captain was doing after his header provided early confirmation of an incoming Liverpool win.This troubled title defence has hurt Van Dijk, make no mistake.

He has been the player who has had to field the criticism. Even here, Van Dijk was not flawless, blindsided by Tomas Soucek for the goal that gave West Ham United a semblance of optimism early in the second half.But Van Dijk's third goal in the last six Premier League games was crucial in ensuring Liverpool maintained momentum in the battle for Champions League spots.

It doubled the lead that had been provided by Hugo Ekitike's 11th Premier League goal of an encouraging first campaign and also highlighted Liverpool's startling set-piece resurgence.FOLLOW OUR LIVERPOOL FB PAGE! While his team are winning, Slot will not be overly concerned and Ngumoha is, right now, probably best suited to the role of impact substitute.But if Liverpool are to go deeper in the Champions League and maintain their Premier League push, they are going to need Salah to respond to the critical attention.