The Liverpool captain reflected on his side's win at West Ham ahead of Wednesday night's clash with Sunderland
Virgil van Dijk and Alexander isak
Virgil van Dijk and Alexander isak(Image: Getty Images)
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Virgil van Dijk admits Alexander Isak has found it tough since joining Liverpool, but the Reds captain believes that if the squad copy the attitude of Joe Gomez then they will soon be climbing the Premier League table.
Liverpool had lost nine of their previous 12 matches in all competitions prior to Sunday's trip to West Ham, where British transfer record signing Isak scored his first Premier League goal for the Reds to set them on the way to a 2-0 win.
It was a victory gratefully received by Reds supporters, and Van Dijk welcomed Isak's contribution to it after a trying few weeks following his acrimonious £125m move from Newcastle United.
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Writing in his match programme notes ahead of Wednesday night's match against Sunderland, Van Dijk said: “We know that things haven’t been so good for us recently, but Sunday was extremely welcome, in terms of both the result and the performance.
"It was great to see Alexander Isak score his first Premier League goal for the club.
“Alex has not had the easiest time since joining, as I’m sure he would tell you himself, but he has been working extremely hard behind the scenes, and we know the quality he possesses. He is a clinical finisher, and hopefully that was the first of many league goals in a Liverpool shirt.
Van Van Dijk also found time to praise the display of Joe Gomez, who came into the side at right-back at West Ham to make his first Premier League start since the 5-0 win over the same opposition in late December last year.
“I’d also like to mention Joe Gomez, on what was his first league start of the season," continued Van Dijk.
"I have said many times previously that in order to be successful, we are going to need everybody to be ready to play their part, whether it’s from the start or off the bench. I thought Joey was outstanding on the day, so big credit to him."