Virgil van Dijk winner really does 'mean more' for Liverpool star after Everton agony

Virgil van Dijk winner really does 'mean more' for Liverpool star after Everton agonyEVERTON 1-2 LIVERPOOL: Virgil van Dijk scored in the 10th minute of stoppage time to snatch all three points for Arne Slot's side, who look well poised to qualify for the Champions LeagueCommentsSportopinionAndy Dunn Chief Sports Writer17:18, 19 Apr 2026View 3 ImagesVirgil van Dijk scored a 100th-minute winner for Liverpool(Image: Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)Thankfully, Liverpool have long since ditched a marketing campaign based on the slogan ‘This Means More’. But this meant more to Virgil van Dijk, make no mistake about that.‌It is five-and-a-half years since the Liverpool captain required knee surgery after a challenge by Jordan Pickford at Goodison Park. He has never publicly held any grudge, but his headed winner deep into eleven minutes of stoppage time looked understandably sweet to him.‌In fact, it would be harsh to criticise him for celebrating and gloating in the faces of Everton fans who responded with predictable missile-throwing anger. But if Van Dijk felt it was an extra-special goal - his sixth of the season - because of what happened in any past fixture, he probably also felt it carried more significance because of the season he and his side have had.‌Van Dijk has not been at his consistent best and he has had to front up after every disappointment in Liverpool’s ill-fated Premier League title defence. At times, it has clearly been painful for him.WORLD CUP LEGENDS: The stars who lit up football's greatest tournament - Buy the Special Edition todayREAD MORE: Virgil van Dijk nets 100th-minute winner as Liverpool beat Everton - 5 talking pointsREAD MORE: Liverpool suffer huge injury blow as Giorgi Mamardashvili taken off on stretcherAnd his winner was not just crucial for parochial reasons, it was crucial for Arne Slot and for Liverpool’s plans. As Chelsea unravel in serious style, Liverpool now have a seven-point cushion in the skir...