'Most of the guys': Virgil van Dijk shares what he's noticed about the Liverpool squad this season
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Virgil van Dijk has seen it all at Liverpool since he arrived from Southampton in 2018.
The Dutch defender has been one of the best signings in the history of the Merseyside club and was an integral part of the Reds winning every trophy possible during the Jurgen Klopp era.
The 33-year-old’s performances and influence within the current squad saw the centre-back promoted to captain last season by Klopp following the departure of Jordan Henderson to Saudi Arabia.
Van Dijk was excellent once again for Liverpool against Lille on Tuesday night as the Premier Leagues earned a hard-fought 2-1 win over the French outfit to qualify for the Last 16 of the Champions League.
Liverpool are one of the favourites to win the competition, along with the Premier League, and the Reds captain has made a big statement as the Merseyside club tries to win both throughout the remainder of the 2024/25 campaign.
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Liverpool squad have learned valuable lessons admits Virgil van Dijk
Liverpool were crowned Carabao Cup champions last season but that would be all the Reds would win as Klopp’s last season at Anfield fizzled out towards the end of the campaign.
A lot of new players joined the Liverpool squad ahead of the 2023/24 campaign and having gone through a full term together, Van Dijk believes that will benefit Arne Slot’s squad as they hunt for trophies this year.
Having equalled Phil Neal’s record against Lille for most victories by a Liverpool player in their first 50 European Cup appearances, Van Dijk addressed the mindset of the Reds at present.
"I think you have to learn from difficult moments and moments that don’t go your way,” the Dutch defender told the Liverpool Echo.
“Most of the guys in the dressing room now have experienced last year and that should make you better, make you aware of how to deal with certain situations and circumstances, and you should be better equipped. Let’s see.
“At the moment I am looking at our team and we are very calm, we are working our socks off each and every day, each and every game, and we need everyone fit, healthy and in form and that’s the aim.
“Going into every game with the mentality it is game by game. That’s how it’s always been the case. It’s a nice ride, I think you should enjoy it as well and I will definitely do it.”
The lessons learned by the current Liverpool squad last season are not the only things that differ from the 2023/24 campaign, which should help the Reds achieve their goals over the coming months.
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How the current Liverpool squad differs from last season
The summer transfer window was very underwhelming for fans of the Reds with Liverpool only adding Federico Chiesa to their squad from last season.
However, in addition to what Van Dijk has mentioned about the current group of players, some things will benefit the Merseyside club throughout the remainder of this term.
Curtis Jones has stated Slot’s style of play is not as intense as Klopp’s which should mean the Reds are fresher towards the end of the season as they continue to fight on all four fronts.
Liverpool also have all their big stars in form with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah all performing at their highest level.
Externally, there is a lack of competition, as Liverpool do not have to deal with the intensity of Man City breathing down their necks as seen in various campaigns in the past.
All this should give the Liverpool squad hope of achieving their goals in 2025, although, from the sounds of it, the Reds are in a very good place at present.
