We’re all in it to win it says Van Dijk as fringe players prove the key
VIRGIL van Dijk has calmed the euphoria surrounding Liverpool’s Merseyside derby triumph by insisting: “We’ve won nothing yet”.
The Reds’ 5-2 win on Wednesday night took the side to a record-breaking run of 32 league games undefeated, the best in the club’s illustrious history.
Yet that impressive form spans two seasons, and it is the remainder of the current campaign which will define this team.
For Van Dijk, the equation is simple. “Find a way to keep winning,” he said.
They must do it through a gruelling December and January, which will stretch Jurgen Klopp’s squad to the limit.
And the defender knows it is the fringe players who will be vital to Liverpool’s title quest. “We are in a good situation but we are not there yet,” he said.
“We never are satisfied, especially when the season is not even halfway through. We want to keep going and focus on the games ahead of us.
“The thing is we have to find a way to win every game we play. Whether it is with different players or different tactics, we are always trying to find a way.”
Liverpool have found just about every conceivable way to keep winning, from a string of 2-1 scorelines to wild rides like Wednesday’s victory.
The common theme though, has been a mentality which never knows when it is beaten. They have shown that this season by claiming many victories after trailing.
Even that mentality will be tested in December, a month when the Reds play 10 games.
For that, Klopp will need his entire squad. He made 30 changes to his side last December, and after starting with five alterations against Everton there could be even more this time around.
Van Dijk believes the form of the fringe players is vital. “We have to make changes. We have a big squad and everyone is part of what is going on at the moment.
“The season is very long, this month is very long – January as well – so the manager makes the decisions but we need everyone to be ready.
“The players who came into the team today don’t play regularly at all. Look at Divock Origi and Xherdan Shaqiri, they did fantastic.We played Adam Lallana and James Milner – everyone is contributing and we need everyone. That is the key message.
“Everyone is happy with the situation we are in. And everyone is also feeling responsible, ready to play today or be on the bench. Everyone is part of the success we have and that is the message to everyone and so far, so good.”
It helps when players like Origi and Shaqiri come into the side after making barely any starts, and tear it up.
Both were outstanding against Everton, meaning the Reds did not miss the rested Mo Salah and Roberto Firmino.
“Divock was fantastic,” said Van Dijk. “His two goals were quality. Shaq was fantastic. He has been unlucky with the injury he had but has been training very well.
“He had his opportunity and he took it. It’s very important to get everyone going and feel like they are responsible and involved. That is what everyone feels at the moment.”