Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has singled out two players for special praise as the Reds prepare to host Manchester City in a crucial Premier League clash
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Virgil van Dijk is managing expecations as Liverpool lead the pack in the Premier League
Virgil van Dijk is managing expecations as Liverpool lead the pack in the Premier League
(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Virgil van Dijk has insisted Liverpool are keeping their emotions in check as they lead the Premier League title race.
The Reds host a struggling Manchester City side this weekend, currently sitting eight points clear of the champions, who have inexplicably suffered five defeats in their last six matches across all competitions. Their most recent victory was against Southampton in the league.
Despite what seems like an opportune moment for Liverpool manager Arne Slot to take on Pep Guardiola's side, the Liverpool captain is not getting ahead of himself. "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.
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"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.
"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."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."
The defender has enjoyed immense success with the Reds, securing numerous titles including the 2020 Premier League crown under the guidance of then-manager Jurgen Klopp. Despite narrowly missing out on the title last year to City, Van Dijk is eager to rectify last season's shortfall and is optimistic about the current campaign.
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
"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."
Liverpool's dazzling form has been in stark contrast to City's, having secured victories in five out of their last six matches in all competitions. Van Dijks performances have been paramount, yet he has shined the spotlight on fellow Dutch players Ryan Gravenberch and Cody Gakpo as key contributors within Slot's system.
He says he's been most 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
Virgil Van Dijk meets ten-year-old Oliver during a visit to Ronald McDonald House Alder Hey in Liverpool, to help McDonald's raise money for their charity this Christmas.
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/