Liverpool’s squad are all pushing towards the same goal at present despite some stars having less importance than others.
The Reds are on course to win a treble and in order to do that Arne Slot will need every player in his squad to step up, whether that be on the field of play or in training.
That was evident on Wednesday night as Harvey Elliott and Darwin Nunez came off the Liverpool bench to combine late in Paris to help the Premier League leaders to a 1-0 win over PSG.
Ibrahima Konate was very happy for Nunez after his contribution and Virgil van Dijk has admitted the same ahead of the Reds’ clash with Southampton on Saturday.
The Liverpool captain has also named two stars that helped the Merseyside club to victory in Paris, with the Dutch defender stating that their performances need to stop being overlooked.
Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images
Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images
Virgil van Dijk shows support to Liverpool duo Wataru Endo and Curtis Jones
Alisson Becker was Liverpool’s hero against PSG, however, Van Dijk does not want to see all the praise heaped onto the Brazilian goalkeeper.
Speaking in his programme notes for the official Liverpool matchday programme for Southampton, the Reds captain complimented Alisson, while also stating that the performances of Wataru Endo and Curtis Jones should not be overlooked.
“We showed all of those things, and of course, it helps when you have, in my opinion, the best goalkeeper in the world in your team. Alisson Becker has saved us many times in the past and his performance in Paris was another special one to add to his collection,” Van Dijk said.
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“I must stress, however, that it is always a team effort whenever we win games. And yet again, you saw on Wednesday night that players were able to come off the bench and make a positive impact for us.
“Harvey Elliott and Darwin Nunez combined for the winning goal, but don’t overlook the contributions of Wataru Endo and Curtis Jones either. They showed exactly the right attitude coming into a tough game and helped secure the advantage for us.”
Liverpool have needed Wataru Endo and Curtis Jones
Slot has used Endo and Jones to help Liverpool over the line in recent games as the two midfielders bring an element of control to the Reds’ performances.
Endo’s recent display against Newcastle was described as ‘special’ by Slot and the Japanese star could be one of four changes Liverpool make against Southampton.
The 32-year-old faces an uncertain future at Anfield but the same cannot be said for Jones, who will look to kick on further under Slot.
The English midfielder has received more minutes than most of the fringe players at Liverpool this season and will continue to play his part throughout the remainder of the campaign.
Slot will be hoping to see others step up over the coming weeks but for now, Van Dijk is right in stating that Endo and Jones deserve some praise.