What Virgil van Dijk told Joel Matip before Liverpool goal against Leeds United

Virgil van Dijk admits he is envious of the quality of Joel Matip after revealing what he told his Liverpool centre-back partner before his memorable strike against Leeds United.

Matip was finally rewarded for one of his trademark drives upfield by scoring the second goal of the Reds' 6-0 Premier League romp at Anfield on Wednesday evening.

The Cameroonian charged upfield before exchanging passes with Mohamed Salah and finishing confidently inside the area for his first goal since December 2020.

And Van Dijk isn't surprised Matip has eventually profited from his adventure having already made his mark in attack in recent weeks.

"It's a big quality of him," said the Holland international. "I wish I had that quality at times when you can just go (forward) without any fear and just hope for the best a little bit.

"He has the quality, it's a big strength of him and obviously it's useful because it drags other players from their positions, and space was there to make the run and finish off.

"I said to him already before the game I felt it coming because he had an assist for Diogo (Jota against Leicester City) and I said 'a goal is next'. I'm very happy for him."

Van Dijk added: "Mentally he is in a good place. The four of us - because we can't forget Joe (Gomez), who isn't even in the squad at the moment - we are keeping each other as sharp as we can.

"We need everyone. And it's very good to see Joel is fit and is playing at a high level, and obviously when I play with him, Ibou (Konate) or Joe it's always good to be out there together and work out."

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