Virgil van Dijk’s Everton heroics were just the latest chapter in a lengthy tale of heroics spanning eight years at Liverpool.
The Dutchman saved the Reds their blushes with a headed goal in the 100th minute to give Liverpool three valuable points in their quest to secure Champions League qualification next season.
It’s far from the first time the Liverpool captain has bailed his side out with a goal. Van Dijk made Premier League history with a sixth stoppage-time winner over our Merseyside rivals — here are some more of his best goals in a Liverpool shirt.
Which Liverpool legend will you miss more: Mohamed Salah or Virgil van Dijk?
Two of the greats came up with the heroics against Everton, but nothing lasts forever… ☹️
Virgil van Dijk vs Mohamed Salah
Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images
Virgil van Dijk’s best goals for Liverpool
5. Atletico Madrid (Champions League, 2025)
In a pulsating 2-2 deadlock at Anfield during the Champions League league phase, Van Dijk produced a moment of pure stoppage-time magic.
In the 93rd minute, he soared above the Atletico defence to power home a Dominik Szoboszlai corner.
Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool celebrates after scoring their side's third goal in injury time during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Liverpool FC and Atletico de Madrid.
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
4. Manchester United (Premier League, 2020)
This 14th-minute header is immortalized as the moment the Anfield crowd finally began to believe. Towering over Harry Maguire, Van Dijk’s strike set the tone for a 2-0 victory that moved Liverpool 16 points clear at the summit.
It was the “We’re gonna win the league” goal, a massive one that signalled the definitive end of Liverpool’s 30-year title drought.
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3. Bayern Munich (Champions League, 2019)
In a high-stakes European away day, Van Dijk proved his technical and physical superiority on the world stage. He outleaped Mats Hummels at the Allianz Arena to restore Liverpool’s lead in a 3-1 masterclass.
It was a statement of intent that broke Bayern’s spirit and propelled the Reds toward their sixth European Cup in Madrid.
2. Everton (FA Cup Debut, 2018)
There is no debut in Liverpool’s history quite as poetic as this. Having joined for a record fee just days prior, Van Dijk delivered an 84th-minute winner at the Kop end to knock Everton out of the FA Cup.
It was an immediate repayment of his transfer fee, instantly validating Jurgen Klopp’s patience and establishing Van Dijk as a Merseyside legend from day one.
1. Chelsea (Carabao Cup Final, 2024)
Widely considered the ultimate “Captain’s Performance,” Van Dijk rose in the 118th minute to win the trophy for a Liverpool side depleted by injuries.
Chelsea v Liverpool - Carabao Cup Final
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images
After having a goal controversially disallowed earlier, his persistence and leadership culminated in a glancing header that handed Klopp the final domestic trophy of his tenure. It was a masterclass in resilience and big-game temperament.
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