Virgil van Dijk made a furious gesture towards Liverpool’s forwards during their Premier League clash with Brentford after becoming frustrated by a lack of movement in front of him.
The Liverpool captain was seen waving his arms after being forced to play the ball backwards at the Gtech Community Stadium. BBC Sport chief football writer Phil McNulty, reporting from the press box, said Van Dijk was demanding more options from his attacking team-mates.
“Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has just waved his arms furiously at his forward players demanding more movement after he could only play the ball backwards,” McNulty observed.
“He wanted more options – and he had a very valid point.”
Van Dijk’s frustration precedes Liverpool comeback
The incident reflected a sluggish first half for Liverpool, who struggled to break down Brentford and fell behind when Keane Lewis-Potter took advantage of the home side’s momentum.
Brentford were reduced to 10 men in stoppage time when Yehor Yarmoliuk was sent off for an attempted headbutt. Liverpool returned after the interval with greater intensity and improved movement in the final third.
Víctor Muñoz equalised in the 62nd minute, finishing a team move, before Alexander Isak completed the turnaround eight minutes later. The fit-again striker controlled the ball and slotted home after Bradley Barcola headed it into his path.
The two quick goals put Liverpool 2-1 ahead and appeared to provide the response Van Dijk had been demanding during the opening period.
