Virgil van Dijk names key quality in Liverpool's 'transition' period

Virgil van Dijk has stressed that 'consistency is key' after a strong start to the season by Liverpool.

The Reds underwent a summer of change after a disappointing 2022/23 campaign, at the end of which they missed out on Champions League football for the first time since 2016.

However, a new-look Reds side – dubbed 'Liverpool reloaded' by Jurgen Klopp – has hit the ground running in 2023/24.

Klopp's side have lost just once in their opening nine league games – and that defeat came in highly contentious circumstances – while they sit just a point off the top of the table.

The Reds have also won three out of three in the cups so far.

Speaking after Liverpool's 2-0 win over Everton, club captain Van Dijk suggested that the new arrivals and changes in the squad have helped, while noting that maintaining a 'high level' will be crucial to their chances this season.

Van Dijk told TNT Sports: “Obviously there has been a transition of course, but also in the way we play.

“We have different players with different qualities and try to adapt a little bit in our football – and I think it’s working quite well.

“What’s also helping is we have not many injuries, so everyone is pushing each other. And we have that coming from the bench. Obviously a couple of injuries now, but before that [not]; that was also key.

“At the end of the day, it’s finding the consistency. Everyone is playing on quite a high level and that’s the key to success hopefully this season, and let’s do it in every competition we are in as well.”

Discussing the mindset of the team, Van Dijk insisted that no-one is getting ahead of themselves as the games start to pile up in the busy winter schedule.

“It is only game by game by game, that’s how we approach everything,” the 32-year-old added.

“Try to stay fit and enjoy the moment as well. We play for one of the biggest clubs in the world – we are very privileged – so let’s show that, let’s be proud and enjoy the time together.”

Next up for Van Dijk and Liverpool is a home Europa League tie with Toulouse on Thursday, 26 October, before welcoming Nottingham Forest to Anfield three days later.