Virgil van Dijk welcomed the “massive” victory that moved Liverpool seven points clear of sixth place, but deemed the club only fighting for a Champions League spot “not Liverpool-worthy.”
The captain has been openly vocal about the shortcomings of Liverpool’s season, lamenting the inability to fight for silverware in any of the four competitions.
It has left the Reds chasing one of five Champions League spots, which they moved closer to with the late win against Everton, with Van Dijk’s goal creating a seven-point buffer over Chelsea.
But dining at the top table of European football is the minimum Liverpool should be seeking to achieve each season, as the captain told Sky Sports after his latest match-winner against Everton.
“Nothing like that, the debut goal was the perfect night for me personally,” Van Dijk said after he was reminded of his debut moment in 2018.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, April 19, 2026: Liverpool's captain Virgil van Dijk puts his hand to his ear as he celebrates after scoring his side's second goal with a header during the FA Premier League match between Everton FC and Liverpool FC, the 248th Merseyside Derby, at Bramley-Moore Dock. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
“But today was massive, in the situation that we are, in hunt for the Champions League spots.
“That is definitely not Liverpool-worthy, in my opinion, but it is the reality and it was important we got the win today. I’m glad we did.”
Arne Slot was asked about the captain’s comments in his post-match press conference, and he agreed with his countryman, saying: “We haven’t felt a lot of joy this season yet.
“I completely agree with Virgil that this season has not been of our standards.”
Liverpool now have five games left in their Premier League season, and four of the teams they face are seventh or above, underlining the significance of the derby win.
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“We’ve got five more games left against teams that are also fighting for the Champions League spots. Every game is a big one,” Van Dijk added.
“Like I said, we are very disappointed as whole for the season that we’re having because of the quality we have. It’s below standards.
“But we have to keep fighting, keep going and make the best out of this poor season we’re having and make the best out of the difficult, poor season we’re having.
“That’s the reality, onto the next. Today was a good three points, and next up is Crystal Palace at home, who we couldn’t beat for many, many games before.”