Virgil van Dijk scored a last-minute winner to ensure Liverpool’s first Premier League trip to Everton’s new stadium ended on a positive.
The Reds struggled initially, and Florian Wirtz came under fire, but things turned around when the Toffees had a goal ruled out for offside, and Mohamed Salah scored the opener.
Van Dijk has now come out to praise the Egyptian on the back of the 2-1 win over David Moyes’ side.
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Virgil van Dijk praises ‘outstanding’ Mohamed Salah after Everton
Speaking live on Sky Sports after Sunday’s fixture had finished, the centre-back said: “There will be a lot of words coming out of my mouth in the next couple of weeks about him [Salah]. But he’s so important for us, on and off the pitch.
“The appreciation sometimes come when players are gone but we appreciate him so much. He’s an outstanding team-mate to have, we’ve been through everything together, highs and lows. He will still be important for the last five games we have to play.
“It will be emotional for him and his family for sure but us as well because he means a lot to me, to the team and the fans, of course. But first, we still have a job to do. He knows it, that’s the main focus.”
Salah’s goal proved to be crucial and has helped Liverpool take a big step towards securing Champions League football next term.
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They are now seven points clear of their closest rivals, Chelsea, and Van Dijk has also spoken about how beating Everton will help the Reds’ top-five hopes.
He stated: “100%. We’ve got five more games left against teams that are also fighting for the Champions League spots. Every game is a big one. Like I said, we are very disappointed as a 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. 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.”
With Hugo Ektike sidelined for the remainder of the season, it is expected that Salah will pretty much be nailed on to start the remainder of those games.
He has 12 goals and nine assists in all competitions this term, and a couple more contributions from him before the season is done should be enough to get Liverpool over the line.
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