Virgil van Dijk is managing expecations as Liverpool lead the pack in the Premier League
Virgil van Dijk is managing expecations ahead of Liverpool's mammoth tie with Man City
Virgil van Dijk insists Liverpool's emotions are in check as they handle the expectation of leading the title race.
Liverpool host a Manchester City side amid a crisis this weekend, with the Reds eight points clear of the wounded champions. City have suffered defeat in five of their last six matches in all competitions, with their last win coming in the league against Southampton.
It would seem the perfect time for Arne Slot to go to war with Pep Guardiola, but captain Van Dijk is refusing to get carried away. "It's the experience that will obviously help you, in my opinion, and it should help you, and my feeling is, it will," Van Dijk told Mirror Football.
"If you play for Liverpool, then you always have these expectations. If you ask anyone in the Premier League, they would love to be in the position we are, at this point in the season, eight points clear. I'm a winner. I want to win in each and everything I compete in.
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"I'm not participating just to be there; I want to be successful, and I'm playing games to win, and I want to be successful at the end of the season." Van Dijk has enjoyed huge success with the Reds, winning several trophies under former manager Jurgen Klopp, including the Premier League title in 2020.
Liverpool came close to repeating this feat in 2022, only for Man City to pip them to the post. Van Dijk is keen to make amends this season but knows there is still a lot of football to be played between now and May.
Virgil van Dijk has praised his team-mate for club and country, Ryan Gravenberch
Virgil van Dijk has praised his team-mate for club and country, Ryan Gravenberch
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"We're going to give it a try. We're going to go for it and hopefully enjoy it," said the 33-year-old. "We're going to have difficult moments, going to have games where we play poor. But we want to find a way to win each and every game. And if you're ready to suffer, ready to have these difficult moments and overcome them, then it could be a very special season. But we'll see. I think we just have to enjoy the ride."
By contrast with City, Liverpool are in glittering form, having won five of their last six in all competitions. Van Dijk has been playing at the top of his game, but the Dutchman has identified compatriots Ryan Gravenberch and Cody Gakpo as stand-out performers in Slot's new system. He's been particularly impressed by the work they put in each week and expects them to improve further this season.
"The way we play, and the way they have been playing, and how they've been playing has definitely been helping them in order to get the performances they have been putting in," Van Dijk added.
"They are good guys; they are level-headed, work hard each and every day and want to improve. They are exceptional players in my eyes and can only get better."
Virgil Van Dijk meets ten-year-old Oliver during a visit to Ronald McDonald House Alder Hey in Liverpool
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Van Dijk recently surprised a young Liverpool fan at a Ronald McDonald House, bringing home how important the club is to fans. He said: "Meeting young Oliver was a humbling experience and shows what impact we have on the community. He has been in and out of hospital and that's any parent's worst nightmare.
"The Ronald McDonald House is a 'home away from home' and the staff were amazing, and it makes such a difference to families in such difficult times. Donations are more vital than ever so please help McDonald’s raise as much money as possible to keep places like this going."
Van Dijk was with McDonald's at Ronald McDonald House Alder Hey - a Charity that provides free accommodation to families with ill children in hospital. To donate, round up your order at the McDonald's Kiosk, Via the QR code on the festive McCafe cups, on the McDonald's app or at rmhc.org.uk/virgildonate/
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