Virgil van Dijk has taken responsibility as captain to support struggling star Darwin Nunez after the striker scored an added-time brace in the 2-0 win against Brentford.

Premier League table toppers Liverpool entered Saturday's game four points at the top ahead of title rivals Arsenal while also holding a game in hand. Arne Slot was looking for a response from his team following the disappointing midweek 1-1 draw away at Nottingham Forest.

For 90 minutes, that response didn't look like it was coming. Liverpool rattled off over 30 shots on a resolute Brentford before second-half substitute Nunez went to the Reds' rescue to extend their Premier League lead to seven points.

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The regularly criticized Uruguayan, who signed for $103.5 million in the Jurgen Klopp era, was found inside the 18-yard box by Trent Alexander-Arnold and poked the ball home to hand Liverpool a late lead. The Bees proceeded to collapse, and in the third of four added minutes, Nunez bagged a brace with a sweet strike to send the away end wild, and Liverpool left London with three valuable points.

Nunez's Liverpool teammates were pleased for him, embracing him after the game and presenting him to the fans, who proceeded to sing his name. Liverpool captain Van Dijk says it's his responsibility, as well as other Reds stars, to encourage Nunez to live up to the lofty price tag the Reds paid.

Nunez's inconsistency at the Anfield club led to speculation that a move to Saudi Arabia could be on the cards this Jan. However, it's unlikely Liverpool will sanction a sale following his late heroics. "Just don't take anything of that as a serious comment," Van Dijk told reporters on what his advice would be to Nunez.

"I think I said to him, stay calm. You know, obviously Tuesday we play again. And I think what he did today is what we need him to do, and make an impact, and be important with goals.

"And other than that, he has to keep working hard. I think as a striker, you are judged by goals. That's the life of a striker. Today he was important with the two goals, and on to the next. And then it's another opportunity to show himself again, and be important for the team."

VVD continued: "I think he's in a good place. Obviously, I think he's still learning. He has, obviously, the South Americans with him as well.

Because, obviously, of the language and stuff. But where I can, obviously, help him. He's part of the group. He's part of Liverpool. And we need him in his best, and score goals. And today he was very important.

"So we are all very pleased and happy with what he did. But we all know that it's on to the next. Well, like everyone else, I think I should be happy for him. But not only for himself, for all of us. I'm happy for myself as well, and for the team, and for everyone that came and supported us out today.

And, yeah, like I said, it's not only Brentford. It's another Premier League game that we won. We got three points."