"We all try to show our best" - Virgil van Dijk on Liverpool's early season form

Liverpool centre-back Virgil van Dijk has given his opinion on the club's early season form.

The Reds have struggled in the early stages of the 2022-23 campaign. Liverpool have only won two of their opening six Premier League fixtures.

Jurgen Klopp's side also suffered a 4-0 defeat to Napoli away from home in the Champions League group stages.

Van Dijk has given his thoughts on Liverpool's recent performances.

"I know I could have done better in the beginning of the season. I’m not naïve about that. I know very well when I make mistakes," he told the Liverpool Echo, as quoted by Anfield Watch on Twitter.

"I also know that I am one of the important players at the club and of course also here at the national team. I feel that responsibility. Mentally it’s a challenge. You feel a lot of pressure on your head. A lot of people forget that too, it’s not easy to do that.

"We all try to show our best and if, in my case, you are one of the mainstays at the club, then you get the criticism you deserve. You have to deal with that and that is not always easy. But I did that just fine.

"We spoke well (with each other), especially in the week leading up to the (Champions League) match against Ajax. It doesn’t mean it can’t happen again.

"But it is important, and I see that with the national team too, that the focus is all in the same direction. That is the basis for success."

Anfield Watch Verdict

We completely understand where Van Dijk is coming from. There is a lot of pressure on footballers, so there will be times when the external noise gets to the players.

The current Liverpool team have been outstanding in recent seasons. There is a reason why the Reds have secured the two biggest trophies in club football in the past three years - the Champions League and Premier League title.

Therefore, we are reluctant to be critical of Jurgen Klopp's side. But, there is no denying that they do need to lift if they are to get anything out of the 2022-23 campaign.