Virgil van Dijk on Liverpool’s Premier League problems and the challenges facing young footballers | OneFootball

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has admitted his side are struggling to find any consistency in the league this season.

The Reds are sixth in the table and have lost seven of their 23 league games.

Speaking after their 6-0 Champions League win over Qarabag, van Dijk said: “I think I said it, in the Premier League, the problem and difficulties that we’re having at the moment is that we don’t have the consistency.

“We can’t, so far, build enough good performances this season. And that’s something we’re working at, it’s something we have to improve.

“We know we can do it, but like I said, not on a consistent basis. That’s why we have been struggling.”

Liverpool’s win over Qarabag featured substitute appearances from teenage trio Rio Ngumoha, Amara Nallo, and Trey Nyoni.

And the Dutchman has also warned that the level of scrutiny faced by players could become even harsher for the “next generation” of footballers.

He said: “I know what comes if you don’t perform. If I don’t have a good moment or a good game, that’s just part and parcel of football. But I’m a human being, and all the players before me have been through it too.

“I’ve mentioned this in previous interviews, I think it’s going to be even tougher for the next generation of footballers. I wish them luck, and I’ll try to prepare them a little by talking to them about it. 

“But going forward, it will be very difficult, because everything is so micro nowadays. Back in the day, you played, things happened, good or bad, and that was part of it. For the next generation, it will be very tricky, and I want to help in the best way I can by sharing my experiences.”

Liverpool take on Newcastle on Saturday and will look to get back to winning ways after five league games without a win.