Premier League icon Alan Shearer has moved to dispel claims surrounding Virgil van Dijk and lauded the Liverpool captain following his display in the 3-0 win over Brentford.

The Dutchman picked up a clean sheet during an assured defensive display for the Reds, for whom Mohamed Salah (2) and Diogo Jota were on target.

Jurgen Klopp's men brushed aside the in-form Bees, who travelled to Anfield on the back of three straight wins, to move into second in the table. Their three unanswered goals saw them leapfrog Arsenal and become leaders Manchester City's closest rivals ahead of the showdown between the sides later this month.

Since Van Dijk's season-ending injury in 2020, there has been criticism directed at the centre-back. Prior to that, the Netherlands captain was widely regarded one of the best defenders in the world, finishing runner-up for the Ballon d'Or in 2019.

"They are always going to score goals Liverpool, with the talent they have up top."

The Reds endured a torrid campaign by their standards last season, which saw a number of players fail to match expectations. As a result, Liverpool finished outside of the top four, sparking big changes during the summer.

This time around, with the injection of their new arrivals, the Reds are battling at the upper reaches of the Premier League table. Although, there is scepticism surrounding whether they have the quality to mount a challenge against the quality of Pep Guardiola's City side.

Liverpool will learn more about their title credentials when they make the short journey to the Etihad Stadium upon the return of the English top-flight after the international break on Saturday, November 25.