Virgil van Dijk expresses optimism that Liverpool can once again challenge Manchester City for the Premier League title.
Reflecting on their close battles in 2018-19 and 2021-22, with City narrowly edging them out by a single point, Van Dijk believes consistency and fitness will be key to sustaining their challenge.
Virgil Van Dijk Speaking During A Quiz Session
Asked whether he thought they were capable of running City close for the title, the captain said: “I hope so.
“You have all these aspirations, dreams, goals and you want to compete until the very end in every competition we are in.
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“That is the case at the beginning of the season and then you grow into a season. It’s November and there is still so much to play for.
“It’s going well, but if we had not got a result against Brentford (a 3-0 win at the weekend) we would have been in that downward spiral – from the outside world of course – because you don’t set it up nicely for the game after the international break.
“Overall this season we have been doing well but the season is not decided in November and there could be so many twists and turns, we all know that.”
“I looked in the dressing room and it felt like we were the under-23s but we still have the quality, if you are good enough you are old enough,” Van Dijk added.
“But we need to see, we need a bit of luck, we need no injuries and need consistency.
“We finished with a positive feeling and now it is time to focus on something else (internationals).
“When we come back there is a very big one away and we will see if we are ready for that test.”
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Despite a fifth-place finish last season, Liverpool, following a summer midfield overhaul, has rebounded. Van Dijk emphasizes the importance of staying injury-free and acknowledges the unpredictable nature of the season.
Looking ahead to their upcoming clash with City after the international break, he highlights the team’s resilience and ability, even when faced with squad limitations.
