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On this day in LFC history: Van Dijk, Aspas and Anelka‘s goalscoring debuts

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Today marks a year since scored on his Liverpool debut against in the , following in the footsteps of other Reds.

Liverpool's interest in Van Dijk was clear in the summer of 2017. However, they were forced to apologise to after making an illegal approach for the defender.

The protracted saga appeared to end with Liverpool missing out on their first-choice centre-back. Jurgen Klopp, however, decided to wait instead of turning to other alternatives.

The Reds repaired relations with Southampton over the next few months, resulting in a world-record £75million deal being agreed for the Dutchman in January.

Van Dijk's took no time to announce his arrival. He made a dream debut for Liverpool by scoring a late winner in front of the Kop to clinch a 2-1 over local rivals Everton.

Van Dijk rose highest to head in 's corner past Jordan Pickford in the 84th minute, after Gylfi Sigurdsson had cancelled out a penalty.

The 27-year-old has scored just once since then - against in a 2-0 win last month - but his impact on Liverpool's back-line is clear for all to see. The Reds have shipped the fewest goals in the so far this season.

Van Dijk is not the only Liverpool player to score on his debut on this day in Reds history, however.

Iago Aspas, who made a £7.7m move from Celta Vigo in the summer of 2013, finally broke his goalscoring duck in January 2014.

The Spaniard, who failed to make a mark at and ultimately left a year later, scored the opener in the Reds' 2-0 win over Oldham in the FA Cup third round at Anfield.

Aspas followed former Liverpool striker Nicolas Anelka in netting his maiden goal on this day, with Anelka striking late on against Birmingham City back in 2002.

The on- French striker went on to score five goals in 22 appearances for the Reds, before featuring for , Bolton, and .

Other notable events on this day include the debuts of Liverpool legends Billy Liddel and Bob Paisley (both 1946). The Reds also signed Mauricio Pellegrino on this day in 2005.

The Argentinian made 12 league appearances under Rafa Benitez, and returned to Anfield in 2008 to become first-team coach, leaving in 2010 after Benitez's sacking.