Van Dijk scores winner on debut as Liverpool beats Everton in FA Cup derby

It took one game for Virgil van Dijk to crown himself.

On Friday, Van Dijk made his debut for Liverpool in the Merseyside derby and tallied the winner as the Reds defeated Everton 2-1 in the third round of the FA Cup. The Dutch centre-back, who is the planet's most expensive defender after moving to Anfield from Southampton for a reported transfer fee of £75 million, took advantage of an error from Jordan Pickford, and headed a corner kick into the back of the net in the 84th minute.

James Milner opened the scoring after Mason Holgate grabbed hold of Adam Lallana in Everton's penalty area, and Gylfi Sigurdsson produced an equaliser following some brilliant play from Yannick Bolasie, Ademola Lookman, and Phil Jagielka. The goals set the stage for Van Dijk's winner, and the product of FC Groningen suggested that there was no better way to begin life at Anfield.

"I don't think it can get any better," Van Dijk said. "It was a fantastic night. It was unlucky that we conceded but to score the winner in a derby on my debut is something every little boy dreams of. I just did it. I'm very happy that we got through to the next round. We have a good chance to win this (cup). I'm very happy to have my debut, to score, and to win. It's just fantastic."

Manchester United joined Liverpool in the fourth round of the FA Cup, beating Derby County 2-0 at Old Trafford.