Liverpool icon Virgil van Dijk has showered praise on Mohamed Salah after their 2-1 win over Everton in the Merseyside Derby in the Premier League on April 19. Salah scored once in the game, playing a crucial role in the Reds' victory.
Mohamed Salah opened the score for Liverpool (29') in the away clash, although Beto equalized (54') in the second half. Virgil van Dijk sealed the much-needed win for the Reds (90+10') during stoppage time. The three points give a boost to the Reds' goal of finishing among the top five in the league, as they are looking to secure Champions League football next season. They currently stand fifth in the table with 55 points from 33 games.
In the post-game press conference (h/t LFC Transfer Room), Virgil van Dijk waxed lyrical about Mohamed Salah following his performance vs Everton. He said:
"There will be a lot of words coming out of my mouth in the next couple of weeks about him. 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, high and lows. He will still be important for the last five games we have to play."
Van Dijk added:
"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."
This season marks Salah's last season at Liverpool, as the Egyptian is set to leave the club at the end of the season. The Reds superstar's contract runs until June 2027, but the club has allowed him to leave for free this summer. Salah has yet to announce his next club.
Liverpool boss Arne Slot comments on Virgil van Dijk's last-minute goal to seal the win in Merseyside Derby
Slot - Source: Getty
In the post-match press conference, Liverpool coach Arne Slot opened up on Virgil van Dijk's goal in extra time that sealed their 2-1 win over Everton. He said (via official website):
"Yeah, I don't think we've had a lot of big moments yet this season – and when we had these big moments, because we scored earlier in extra time of extra time, but then we were able to concede afterwards. So, we haven't felt a lot of joy this season, yet. I completely agree with Virgil this season has not been of our standards."
Liverpool are focusing on making it among the top five in the Premier League table after being knocked out of all domestic and international competitions. The Reds are out of the FA Cup and the Champions League, and will now focus on winning the final league games of the season.