by Virgil van Dijk has played an important role in the vast majority of his 300 appearances for Liverpool, but has credited two other influential Dutchmen with helping them in their current challenge for the Premier League and Champions League.
The Netherlands captain recorded his 209th victory as he began his triple century with a 4-1 success against Ipswich, by far the best win rate of anyone who has reached that milestone for the club.
However, the 33-year-old barely broke a sweat against the 18th-ranked visitors, who managed just seven touches in the Liverpool penalty area and three shots in 90 minutes.
Rather, it was his compatriots Cody Gakpo – with two goals – and midfielder Ryan Gravenberch who played a key role.
Gakpo scored twice, on target at Anfield for the sixth consecutive match he had started, to make it 12 in the last 19 matches in all competitions, although he had to share left winger duties with Luis Diaz.
“He’s a very important player, having him with Lucho (Diaz) is very good,” said Van Dijk, who planned to treat himself to a glass of red wine in recognition of his milestone match.
“They push each other. Cody is an outstanding professional with exceptional qualities and he demonstrates this consistently.
“That’s the hardest part of football, doing it every other day. Cody definitely does that.
Gravenberch has been the revelation of the season, having been converted to the number six role after Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi refused to join Anfield in the summer.
He was an integral part of a campaign in which the team lost just two of 34 matches.
“Last year he didn’t play as much, but we all saw his quality and it was essential to keep our heads down and work hard. This year he has gained confidence,” Van Dijk said.
“He can show his quality week in, week out and every few days. I am very impressed with him. Not only on the field but also off the field.
“He’s still a young boy but he’s becoming a man. How you approach the game on and off the field is essential to being a world-class player.
“The consistency he shows, he’s a world-class player and he can only get better as well.
“He learns from difficult moments in matches. He has been almost perfect this season. I’m proud of him. It is vital for us.
A revitalized Dominik Szoboszlai opened the scoring in the 11th minute with a low shot from outside the penalty area before Mohamed Salah’s 19th league goal of the season – and 100th league goal at Anfield – and Gakpo made the score 3-0 before halftime.
Gakpo headed in Trent Alexander-Arnold’s cross in the 65th minute with Jacob Greaves’ goal in stoppage time little consolation.
After successive crushing defeats to Manchester City and Liverpool, next week’s visit to bottom club Southampton offers Ipswich the chance to climb out of the relegation zone.
“I feel like if we take the lessons the right way and work hard at them, we can be stronger,” boss Kieran McKenna said.
“To finish the way we did after two tough games is a big positive and a good sign for us.”
