Van Dijk Supports…

Virgil van Dijk has praised his Liverpool teammate Milos Kerkez, highlighting the significant progress he’s made after a challenging start to his time at Anfield.

Kerkez joined Arne Slot’s squad for £40 million ($54 million) from AFC Bournemouth last summer. The 22-year-old faced early criticism but has recently emerged as a key player for the Reds, notably during their FA Cup victory over Brighton & Hove Albion.

“It’s evident that he’s been improving,” Van Dijk remarked.

“Being so young and adjusting to life at Liverpool is challenging; it’s more than just playing on the pitch, especially during times when the team has been inconsistent. It’s not easy to perform at your best.”

“But with support from Robbo [Andy Robertson] and the rest of the squad, as well as his own growth, he is making great strides. There’s still plenty more for him to learn and improve on, which is a positive. He just needs to keep pushing forward.

“He possesses a lot of energy. Being young, he’s full of enthusiasm! He’s eager to learn.

“I’ve had discussions with him earlier in the season because teamwork is crucial, especially for positioning. In the game against Brighton, he pressed as a full-back, and I was there to cover. It requires mutual understanding, much like the relationship Robbo and I have built over many years. That connection will develop with time. We’re having those conversations on and off the pitch to ensure we perform at our best as a team.”

Van Dijk hopes Mohamed Salah remains at Liverpool

Van Dijk also commended forward Mohamed Salah, who scored and assisted in the match against Brighton. Despite some struggles this season, Van Dijk believes Salah’s recent performance underscored his vital role in the team.

“Mo remains incredibly important to us,” Van Dijk stated. “He had an assist last week and once again broke another record. He continues to be a leader for us, and having him on the field enhances the team’s performance. He just needs to maintain his momentum.”

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“He contributes far more to the team than just scoring. While his goal count is currently under scrutiny, it’s important to remember he set exceptionally high standards for himself, and not scoring as frequently can lead to criticism. He needs to stay composed and continue making an impact in various ways, and he still has so much to offer both on and off the pitch.”

When asked if he would like Salah to stay beyond this season, Van Dijk responded: “Our primary focus is on ensuring this season is a success, and we’ll assess things afterward. Football can be unpredictable.

“I always hope Mo stays because I consider him a good friend. We’ve shared many highs and lows together over the years. Like me, he has one more year on his contract, so we’ll have to see where things go.”