Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has made a surprising confession following his team’s 2–1 defeat to Manchester United at Anfield. The Dutch defender revealed that one United player delivered a performance so relentless and electrifying that it left the entire Liverpool squad stunned.
Speaking after the match, van Dijk admitted that he had rarely encountered such intensity and composure from an opponent in recent memory. “Even till now, I’m still wondering how he managed to put on that kind of performance at Anfield. He played as if it was a final match — he was the only Manchester United player who nearly gave me a heart attack,” van Dijk said.
Many expected him to refer to the likes of Bruno Fernandes or Marcus Rashford, but instead, van Dijk singled out Brazilian forward Matheus Cunha — the surprise hero of the evening. Cunha’s performance, defined by his physical dominance, tireless pressing, and fearless attacking drive, completely disrupted Liverpool’s normally well-drilled defense.
“At one point, even Konaté was afraid to mark him,” van Dijk admitted. “You could see it — he was that sharp, that confident, that powerful. He played with no fear at all.”
Cunha’s Game-Changing Performance
Cunha’s display was nothing short of extraordinary. From the opening whistle, he used his strength and intelligence to stretch Liverpool’s backline. He constantly dropped deep to collect the ball, turned under pressure, and launched dangerous counterattacks that left Liverpool scrambling.
Beyond his attacking threat, Cunha’s work rate stood out. He chased every ball, pressed from the front, and forced mistakes from Liverpool’s defenders. His combination of pace, power, and determination made him nearly unplayable on the night.
Van Dijk, known for his calmness and authority, acknowledged that Cunha’s all-around display was among the toughest challenges he had faced in the Premier League. “You face fast players, you face strong players — but this one had everything. He was pressing us high, turning under pressure, playing quick one-twos — it was exhausting. He made us uncomfortable every minute he was on the pitch.”
Shock in the Liverpool Dressing Room
Reports from within the Liverpool camp revealed that Cunha’s name dominated post-match discussions. Several players, including Alisson Becker and Dominik Szoboszlai, reportedly couldn’t stop praising his energy and impact.
An inside source told The Telegraph: “Even after the match, van Dijk and a few others couldn’t stop talking about him. They said he played with the kind of hunger that made it feel like a cup final. They admitted he was the main reason they couldn’t build rhythm from the back.”
Cunha’s fearless performance has since drawn widespread praise from fans and pundits alike. For Manchester United, it was a statement victory — and for Liverpool, a reminder of how a single player’s determination can change the course of a match.
Van Dijk’s admission underscores just how influential Cunha was — not just in the scoreline, but in the respect he earned from one of the Premier League’s best defenders.