Goals from defenders are always a rarity. That’s why bets on such events come with particularly high odds. You can make predictions via the 1xBet official app, which is easy to download to any gadget. As for defenders, if they stand out, it is usually after set pieces. It is not often that defenders make assists. This makes Virgil van Dijk’s achievement all the more remarkable.
In the match against Qarabağ on January 28, 2026, the Dutch defender made three assists. Liverpool, for whom he played, gave their opponents no chance and won the match 6-0. Van Dijk became the first center back in Champions League history to record three assists in a single game.
Virgil not only played reliably in defense, but also helped his team’s attack. You can follow Liverpool today via the official app of the 1xBet company, which covers every match the team plays. As for that match, thanks to the victory, Liverpool managed to finish in third place in the overall stage and advance to the ⅛ of the tournament. Van Dijk played a significant role in this.
The main strengths of the Dutch defender
First and foremost, the Dutchman is valued for his reliable play in defense. He performs well both in set pieces and positional attacks. It is no coincidence that with Van Dijk in the lineup, Liverpool experienced one of the most successful periods in its history. If you follow the team’s performances today, then 1xBet registration is what you need. After completing the registration and replenishing your balance, you will have access to the full functionality, including betting on the Reds’ matches.
Returning to Van Dijk, let’s note that his strong points include:
- Good play in the air. The defender is great at dealing with high balls. He regularly clears the ball from his penalty area and often scores from set pieces in front of the opponent’s goal.
- Smart positioning. Thanks to this, it is almost impossible to get past Van Dijk or beat him one-on-one.
- Good coordination. The player quickly assesses the situation and can prevent opponents’ attacks even in difficult situations.
In the match against Qarabağ, Virgil demonstrated his other strengths: good passing and excellent vision. Thanks to this, three of his passes resulted in goals.
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