Van Dijk hails 'world-class' Sturridge
Daniel Sturridge’s breath-taking equaliser against Chelsea came as no surprise to Virgil van Dijk.
The striker scored for the 50th time in the Premier League for Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on Saturday - and he could hardly have chosen a better way to do so, either in terms of timing or style.
With the Reds a goal down in the 89th minute and on the brink of surrendering their unbeaten start to the top-flight campaign, Sturridge sent a precise, curling shot dipping into Kepa Arrizabalaga’s top corner from 25 yards.
Speaking post-match, Jürgen Klopp praised the England international’s impact this season, with that late intervention at Chelsea representing his fourth goal in seven appearances so far in 2018-19.
LFCTV GO: Watch all 50 of Sturridge's PL goals for the Reds
And the manager’s comments were echoed by Van Dijk, who labelled Sturridge a ‘world-class’ talent.
“Before I arrived at Liverpool, I said he was one of the best strikers in the league and he shows it when he’s fit,” the centre-back said.
“Of course he is good enough for England. There shouldn’t be any doubt. I know what he’s capable of, how good he can be and when he’s at his best, by playing against him and seeing him in training with the hard work that he puts in and the positivity he brings.
“We have a great squad, world-class players, and he’s one of them.”