Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Liverpool FC at St James' Park on December 04, 2024 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Van Dijk is in no doubt that Chelsea are challengers
Virgil van Dijk is in no doubt that Chelsea are a threat to Liverpool’s Premier League title hopes.
The Blues are the closest rivals to the Reds in the table after they closed the gap to four points last week with a win over Tottenham. Liverpool have a game in hand as their clash with Everton was postponed due to Storm Darragh battering Merseyside.
Chelsea have been surprise strong starters after many predicted more ups and downs at Stamford Bridge with their big spending and changing manager when they brought in Enzo Maresca to replace Mauricio Pochettino.
“I don’t think they are under the radar,” said Van Dijk. “Obviously with the squad they have and the players they have. The players that can come off the bench. Obviously we can talk about inexperience maybe but they have the quality, they have the players to make it difficult for any team and that is what they have been doing so they are definitely up there. I think they have shown it.”
[
Ferdinand names Liverpool star most likely to leave after Salah breakthrough](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/rio-ferdinand-liverpool-mohamed-salah-34288966)
YOU DECIDE! Cast your vote for Fans' Footballer of the Year 2024
Liverpool host Fulham tomorrow looking to maintain their lead at the top of the Premier League table.
But Tuesday’s 1-0 victory over Girona has all-but secured their place in the last-16 of the Champions League, avoiding a potentially draining two days.
“We will have a full week to prepare for the games and it will definitely help, particularly with the fixtures,” said Van Dijk.
The Dutchman has had a new defensive partner for Girona, and the win over Manchester City and draw with Newcastle in Joe Gomez. Ibrahima Konate has been out with a knee injury but Gomez has deputised impressively after having to watch on for the first part of the campaign.
Van Dijk helped Liverpool beat Manchester City last month ( Image: Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Van Dijk added: “Obviously I know him very well and it is definitely not easy when you are not playing each and every week but the way he has conducted himself on and off the pitch is an example to so many players. Not only young players, so many players out there.
“It is not easy to do it and he has so much quality and he can play right across the back line as we can see. Obviously working with him is always a good thing and we obviously know each other inside and out. He is needed now and he has to stay consistent and put in good performances.”
Join our new WhatsApp communityand receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.