Virgil van Dijk sends message to Liverpool teammates after Brighton victory | OneFootball

Van Dijk message sets tone for Liverpool push

Virgil van Dijk has rarely been one to overstate momentum, and his message following Liverpool’s latest upturn was characteristically measured. Back to back victories have steadied Arne Slot’s side, but the captain was keen to stress that progress will only be meaningful if it is sustained.

Liverpool followed a 1-0 Champions League win away at Internazionale with a composed 2-0 success over Brighton at Anfield. Hugo Ekitike was the difference on Saturday, scoring twice as Liverpool extended their unbeaten run to five matches. The results provided a timely response after recent frustration, yet Van Dijk was quick to underline that consistency, not isolated wins, remains the priority.

Speaking after the Brighton game, he pointed to the mindset within the squad. “The mood in the dressing room has always been very good. It can obviously go down in terms of performances, if you win or lose,” said the skipper, who marked his 250th top flight appearance for the club.

“But the main thing I see is that we all have the will to turn this around, and the hunger and energy to do so. But obviously it’s about what happens between those white lines in 95 minutes. That’s what we can influence and that’s what we want to do.”

Consistency focus after recent setbacks

Liverpool’s recent victories came on the back of painful lessons. Leads of 2-0 and 3-2 had slipped away at Leeds United, exposing issues around game management and concentration. For Van Dijk, the response since has been encouraging, but he knows how quickly standards can dip.

“[Against Brighton] and also midweek, we did that very well,” he continued. “But we all know the season is still so long.

“We want to be consistent, because that’s something I’ve experienced for almost all my time at Liverpool. We just have to keep going and stay calm.”

Those words reflect a player who has lived through title winning campaigns and difficult rebuilds alike. Van Dijk understands that rhythm and discipline across months, not weeks, define successful seasons.

Defensive standards drive improvement

The defensive platform has been central to Liverpool’s improved run. Three clean sheets in the last five matches have restored a sense of control after successive home defeats to Nottingham Forest and PSV Eindhoven earlier in the campaign.

Asked about Liverpool seeing games out more effectively, Van Dijk was candid. “Very pleasing. I’ve been very fortunate, especially at Anfield, to win a lot of games and keep clean sheets and feel like there is no way a team could beat us here.

“That feeling was incredible. And obviously the last couple of weeks we have been struggling, we have been going through ups and downs, and that’s obviously difficult to take.”

For the captain, the solution lies in collective responsibility rather than individual blame. “But it’s all about the hard work, the confidence, and the way you defend with each other that matters.

“I think you saw especially [against Brighton] but also the midweek game how much commitment there is. That’s obviously a good thing to see for me as a captain as well. That all helps.”

Leadership and trust across back line

Van Dijk was also asked about the form of Ibrahima Konate, who impressed at San Siro and again against Brighton. His answer reflected a broader message about unity.

“Everyone at his best helps, everyone in the team. That’s why it’s a team sport,” he said.

“Ibou is a fantastic defender. Obviously when the team is not performing as a collective, then we as the last line could be exposed. And that happened at times as well.

“Individual mistakes cost us, including myself at times. Unfortunately, that’s part of the game. It’s how you deal with it, how you react to it.”

Van Dijk believes Konate has responded in the right way. “I think Ibou, as an example, has been in the last two games especially outstanding. He’s working on things, like we all do. He helps me, I help him and that’s how it should be. We are not perfect.

“He wants the best for the club and I’m pretty sure that will be absolutely fine.”

For Liverpool, the message is clear. Momentum has returned, but Van Dijk’s focus remains firmly on sustaining standards as the season unfolds.