Virgil van Dijk Taking a swipe at FSG? | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Pursuit of Glory: Nunez, Van Dijk and the Anfield Charge

Daily Red Podcast Analysis with Dave Davis and Grizz Khan

Liverpool’s quest for Premier League supremacy continues, and as Grizz Khan pointed out on the Daily Red Podcast for Anfield Index, their latest victory over Brentford was a defining moment. A game that had all the hallmarks of a classic title-race battle ended with Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah delivering when it mattered most.

But beyond the three points, key talking points emerged—Nunez’s resurgence, Virgil van Dijk’s leadership, and what FSG’s stance means for Liverpool’s ambitions under Arne Slot.

Nunez: From Question Marks to Match-Winner

There have been doubts. There have been missed chances. But against Brentford, Darwin Nunez showed exactly why he remains a key figure for Liverpool.

Grizz Khan captured the mood perfectly: “He has received abuse, and it does affect him… he’s a mentally sensitive type of guy. I was so happy when he scored, it just hits differently.” That first goal? A well-timed run, a delicate touch, and a finish dripping with confidence. The second? Ruthless execution.

It was a night that had Khan admitting: “I cheered more for Nunez’s goal than a Salah goal—make that make sense.” The reason? It was about belief. About proving doubters wrong. About showing why Liverpool invested so heavily in him.

And yet, as Khan made clear, this was only the beginning. “He has to keep doing it. It’s up to Nunez now—score goals, be a part of the system that Slot trusts.”

Van Dijk’s Message: A Dig at FSG or a Rallying Cry?

One of the most scrutinised moments post-match wasn’t a goal or an assist—it was a few words from Liverpool’s captain, Virgil van Dijk.

“Every win is a big result, especially when the teams around us are very strong. They obviously strengthen themselves as well, probably.”

Photo by IMAGO

Was this a subtle jab at FSG’s reluctance to spend in the January window? Khan dismissed the idea: “I genuinely thought it was just his opinion and assessment… I don’t think it was a dig at the owners at this stage.”

Dave Davis, however, added a layer of intrigue: “The last time he said something like this, Cody Gakpo turned up the next morning.”

Liverpool’s title rivals have invested heavily. Arsenal, City, and even Aston Villa have bolstered their squads. Yet, FSG remained cautious. Whether this approach costs Liverpool remains to be seen, but as Grizz Khan summarised: “We have to stay consistent, win games, and perform.”

Defensive Duo: The League’s Best?

Liverpool’s defensive resilience was another major talking point. Van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté were imperious, shutting down Brentford’s attack and allowing Liverpool to control the game.

Khan did not hold back in his praise: “There’s no doubt in my mind—they are by far the best two centre-backs in world football as a partnership.”

He even went a step further: “As individuals, Konaté is very much in the top five centre-backs in world football right now.”

But with fixture congestion looming, the concern is fitness. Khan had a direct plea: “I pray Slot is watching this. Please rest Konaté—don’t play him against Lille. We need him fit.”

Keeping the defensive core intact could be the difference between Liverpool lifting the Premier League trophy or falling short.

Liverpool’s Defining Moment?

Every title-winning campaign has a moment—one that fans look back on as the turning point.

For Khan, Brentford could be that game: “Every season you look for that moment, that feeling. For me, this was the moment.”

Liverpool sit six points clear with a game in hand. Arsenal faltered against Aston Villa. City are lurking but not at their dominant best. The narrative is writing itself.

As Grizz Khan put it, “We are bouncing into the week. There’s excitement, there’s belief. This could be something special.”

With Nunez firing, Van Dijk leading, and Liverpool looking every inch a championship-winning side, the coming weeks will determine whether this was indeed the defining moment of the season.