Virgil van Dijk, the esteemed defender of Liverpool, has acknowledged the palpable change and renewed energy surrounding the club following a summer of transformations. With the departure of long-serving midfielders and the addition of new talents, Liverpool has undergone a significant revamp in its squad.
This overhaul has proven fruitful for manager Jürgen Klopp, who himself appears rejuvenated after a challenging previous season that saw Liverpool finish fifth without any silverware. The current Liverpool team has been dubbed “Liverpool 2.0,” and Van Dijk recognizes the freshness and optimism that permeates the squad after its recent 2-0 victory over Everton, which propelled it (momentarily, until Manchester City beat Brighton) to the top of the Premier League table.
Van Dijk acknowledges the transition that has taken place within the team, both in terms of playing style and personnel. The introduction of new players with different qualities has allowed them to adapt and perform at a high level.
“There has been a transition, of course, also in the way we play, different players with different qualities and trying to adapt,” the Liverpool captain told TNT Sports (as transcribed by the ECHO). “It’s working quite well. Everyone is pushing each other and playing at a high level. That’s the key to success, hopefully this season.”
Van Dijk emphasizes that pushing each other and maintaining consistency are key factors in achieving what Liverpool wants this season. Reflecting on the previous campaign, Van Dijk candidly admits that towards the end, everyone felt drained and disappointed due to the lack of consistency. The team would have impressive victories followed by unexpected losses, leading to frustration among the players. However, after a short break in the summer, they returned with a renewed sense of energy and a different vibe within the club.
“Everyone last year, especially towards the end of the season, was drained if I am absolutely honest,” he explained. “It was such a disappointing season because we didn’t find the consistency. We played one good game — I don’t want to mention it again — but we played Manchester United and won big here at home and then lost to Bournemouth in the next game.
“It was so frustrating because everyone wants to perform on the highest level and win every game. We had a short break in the summer and then we came back and everyone felt great. It went well and we sense a different vibe and energy in the club.”
During the recent victory over Everton, Mohamed Salah showcased his brilliance by scoring two goals, taking his tally for the season to eight. Van Dijk also praised Salah’s ability to step up when needed and highlighted the importance of consistency in football. He acknowledges that maintaining a high level of performance in every game is challenging but crucial for success.
Despite facing strong opposition from Vitaliy Mykolenko, Salah rose to the occasion and delivered for the team. Van Dijk expressed his satisfaction with Salah’s performance and said he hoped that Liverpool can build on this momentum moving forward.
