Dutch defender rejected the chance to join Pep Guardiola's side - now he must face them in the Champions League
When Liverpool agreed to make Virgil van Dijk the most expensive defender in football history, it was with nights like this in mind.
And as the Dutchman reflected on his dream move, these were the games which had helped convince him his future belonged at Anfield.
“Why wouldn’t you want to play here?” Van Dijk had pondered after visiting with Southampton in November. A bad day, on the face of it – Saints were outclassed in losing 3-0 – but one which served only to strengthen his desire to move to Merseyside.