Liverpool’s Irish supporters had a lot to cheer during Saturday’s 5-0 victory over Napoli and Virgil van Dijk made one fan’s day extra special.
The Reds eased to a 5-0 win over Napoli at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Saturday. Gini Wijnaldum, James Milner, Mohamed Salah, Daniel Sturridge and Alberto Moreno all made their mark on the scoresheet in front of a sell-out crowd.
Ahead of the much-anticipated fixture, Jessica McMahon, a mother whose daughter lives with autism, sent Reds defender Virgil van Dijk a request for his shirt.
Van Dijk, in true Scouse fashion, duly obliged, with Jessica tweeting a photo of her daughter Molly and the Reds defender together following the friendly.
Hi @VirgilvDijk my kids Danny and Molly live with autism and are looking forward to the game at the aviva in Dublin tomoro.. Molly is obsessed with the number 4 and would love it if she could get ur shirt!!! We r in the front row look for the sign!!!! pic.twitter.com/DdhSt1BXSz
— Jessica Mc Mahon (@JessicaMcMahon3) August 3, 2018
He sure did pic.twitter.com/7Gazvc44SU
— sean (@seanpaulw) August 5, 2018
Oh Twitter u r nothing short of amazing!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/uHR0IjqkiK
— Jessica Mc Mahon (@JessicaMcMahon3) August 4, 2018
— Jessica Mc Mahon (@JessicaMcMahon3) August 4, 2018
The Dutch defender replied to Jessica shortly after, thanking the family for their support.
You are more then welcome, thanks for the support! 😄
— Virgil van Dijk (@VirgilvDijk) August 4, 2018
Van Dijk’s gesture is the latest this week, with Trent Alexander-Arnold also getting in touch with a supporter to get them a signed shirt from the Liverpool squad.
DM me his details mate will get a signed shirt from the lads sent over 🙏🏽❤ Stay strong Devon #YNWA https://t.co/18Axqdf4ko
— Trent Arnold (@trentaa98) August 3, 2018
Both tweets have since gone viral, with supporters commenting on how classy their gestures are.
How are all of our players so nice?
— Elis (@ClinicalCurtis) August 4, 2018
You’re a legend mate. I’m certain you’ll be the captain of this beautiful club soon
— Dan (@ClassicFirmino9) August 4, 2018
Virgil. People on the autism spectrum have challenges that they deal with daily. When she says obsessed with the number 4, you have no idea what that means. Your reply to her priceless! YNWA. You’re the man.
— ----- (@roger_18600) August 4, 2018
How classy
— Shahan Chowdhury™ © (@shahanchowdhury) August 3, 2018
Klopp‘s side put Napoli to the sword in their penultimate pre-season match in what was an impeccable attacking display.
The Reds started with aplomb, with Milner handing Liverpool the lead in the early exchanges. Wijnaldum then added a second soon after, heading home from close range.
The Reds then added a further three goals during the second half, with Mohamed Salah, Daniel Sturridge and Alberto Moreno all adding themselves on the scoresheet.
It proved a comfortable afternoon for Liverpool as Alisson made his debut in a Reds shirt, whilst Trent Alexander-Arnold and Roberto Firmino made their returns.
