“It means a lot” – Virgil van Dijk sends message to Liverpool fans ahead of Brighton clash | OneFootball

Liverpool vs Brighton: Virgil van Dijk Demands Strong Response Ahead of FA Cup Clash

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has set the tone ahead of the FA Cup meeting with Brighton, urging focus and consistency after a hard fought 1-0 Premier League win at Sunderland. Under Arne Slot, Liverpool continue to chase momentum across competitions, and the defender’s programme notes reveal a squad determined to build on recent progress.

Reflecting on the victory in the north east, Van Dijk stressed the importance of mentality following a frustrating result against Manchester City. “After the disappointment of the way in which the game against Manchester City finished, it was extremely important that we showed a good reaction when we went to Sunderland on Wednesday night,” he wrote. “I think that, as a team, we did exactly that.”

Liverpool’s performance highlighted defensive organisation and collective effort, qualities that will be vital when Brighton arrive at Anfield. For Van Dijk, winning away in the Premier League demands resilience and discipline, traits he believes were evident throughout the match.

Defensive Focus Key For Liverpool

Van Dijk pointed to the structure and unity within the side as decisive factors in securing three points. “To win any game in the Premier League, especially away from home, you have to be lots of things. You have to be together, you have to be organised defensively and you have to be committed and ready to work hard from the first whistle to the last.”

The Dutch defender praised the team’s work rate and the clean sheet achieved at the Stadium of Light, adding, “I think we were all of those things at the Stadium of Light, against a strong side in difficult conditions and on a difficult pitch. That made it a very pleasing, a very well-deserved and a very important three points for us.”

Photo: IMAGO

Liverpool may have hoped for a more comfortable scoreline, yet Van Dijk valued the collective fight shown by the group. “In the end, we could and perhaps should have won more comfortably, but the way we defended and fought as a team was extremely satisfying.”

Brighton Challenge And FA Cup Ambitions

Attention now turns to Brighton in the FA Cup, a fixture that Van Dijk describes as a significant test. The Liverpool skipper emphasised the club’s desire to progress deep into the competition, writing, “The FA Cup is a competition that means a lot to us all, and we want to progress as far as we possibly can in it this season.”

Brighton’s visit also brings emotional storylines, including the return of former Reds midfielder James Milner. Liverpool supporters are expected to play a major role, something Van Dijk acknowledged after hearing their backing at Sunderland. “I thought, also, that the away end was fantastic on Wednesday. We could hear you all throughout the game.”

He added a heartfelt message of gratitude, saying, “We know that it was a long midweek trip in February, in really difficult conditions as I say, but I want you to know that we value and appreciate your support so much, and I’m happy we could give you something to cheer.”

Injury Concern And Milner Tribute

While Liverpool celebrated victory, there was concern over Wataru Endo’s injury. “The only sad point was the injury suffered by Wataru Endo in the second half,” Van Dijk noted, before adding, “At the time of writing we don’t know how serious that is, but of course we all hope he is back as soon as possible because we need everybody at the moment, and especially a fighter and a top professional like Wata. He, like so many others, was outstanding on the night.”

The captain concluded with praise for Milner’s remarkable longevity. “What an achievement. To still be going strong after so long in the game says everything about him, his dedication and his professionalism. He is one of the legends of the Premier League, for sure. I’m sure he will get a great reception from you guys this evening.”