Liverpool’s Van Dijk: “I don’t pay attention to the table now” – Focus on next game | OneFootball

Why Van Dijk is Right to Ignore the League Table

Liverpool’s 2-1 win against Wolverhampton Wanderers over the weekend might have moved them to the top of the Premier League table, but if you ask Virgil van Dijk, that’s not where his focus lies. The Dutch centre-back, a key figure for Arne Slot’s resurgent Liverpool side, is more concerned with the immediate challenge ahead – not the distant goals of where his team sits in the standings.

This sentiment is reflective of a broader philosophy often seen in successful sides: focus on the next match, not on the bigger picture that can distract from consistency. After the Wolves victory, Van Dijk commented, “Do I pay attention to the table now? No. December is always a crucial month. The teams who go through that well, winning games and having no injuries, have a big chance to be successful.” His words, quoted from Liverpool FC’s official website, underline the level-headed approach of the captain.

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Resilience and Focus Are Key to Success

The 2024-25 season has started brightly for Liverpool, with seven wins in eight games, but Van Dijk is keen to emphasise that this is just the beginning. He said, “So far, so good. But it is only one game and we all realise that. Now we focus on the Champions League.” His comments speak to the team’s resilience, which has been showcased in their ability to bounce back from setbacks, such as the equaliser from Wolves’ Rayan Ait-Nouri. Just moments after Wolves drew level, Liverpool retook the lead with a penalty from Mohamed Salah.

It’s this combination of ability and mental toughness that has Liverpool supporters optimistic. Van Dijk’s calmness and refusal to dwell on the league table should give fans confidence that the Reds won’t get carried away by early-season success. He acknowledges the good form but tempers that with a reminder of the long road ahead.

Team Built For Longevity

One of the key factors in Liverpool’s current performance is the balance within the squad. Van Dijk noted, “We have a very good squad – a mixture of experience and talent – and players who are at a very good stage of their career.” The blend of youthful exuberance and veteran leadership is proving to be effective under Slot’s management. Notably, Salah’s defensive contributions, which Van Dijk referenced, demonstrate that this Liverpool side has a work ethic across the pitch: “Mo was many times in the box and heading balls away and stuff, and that is the kind of commitment we need from everyone.”

Slot has clearly instilled a mentality that success is built on hard work and team cohesion, rather than relying on individual brilliance. Liverpool’s captain praised Ibrahima Konaté’s performance against Wolves, acknowledging the defender’s growth: “Ibou is an amazing, fantastic player who can still be better.” That hunger for constant improvement, coupled with Van Dijk’s leadership, is what will keep Liverpool competitive this season.

Photo: IMAGO

Midfield Triangle Driving the Team Forward

Another standout in this Liverpool side has been the trio of Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, and Dominik Szoboszlai in midfield. Van Dijk was quick to praise Gravenberch in particular, describing him as “very important,” adding that the Dutchman’s confidence has grown game by game. Gravenberch’s emergence as a vital player, coupled with the dynamic contributions of Szoboszlai and Mac Allister, has given Liverpool a formidable engine room. Van Dijk offered some advice to his fellow countryman: “Stay fit, keep going, stay grounded, and don’t listen to the praise that much. Just stay calm and play well.”

This pragmatic and focused approach typifies Van Dijk’s role not just as a player but as a leader within the squad. His words remind his teammates – and by extension the fans – that while things may be going well now, there’s still work to be done to ensure this promising start translates into silverware.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

Van Dijk’s words will be music to the ears of many Liverpool supporters. His refusal to get carried away with the league table so early in the season shows a maturity and understanding of what it takes to win titles. Historically, Liverpool’s strongest periods have come when they’ve kept their focus firmly on the next challenge rather than looking too far ahead.

Van Dijk’s assessment of the squad’s blend of experience and youth is also spot on. The current crop of players – particularly the midfield trio of Gravenberch, Mac Allister, and Szoboszlai – offers both creativity and discipline. This is a crucial element in a league where maintaining intensity over the course of a 38-game season is essential. Slot’s squad rotation, bolstered by Van Dijk’s leadership, should ensure that fatigue and injuries are managed effectively.

Photo: IMAGO

The fact that players like Mohamed Salah, who is often seen as the talisman in attack, are getting involved in defensive duties highlights the shift in mentality under Slot. This isn’t a side looking for individual accolades, but rather a cohesive unit that prioritises team success. With December fast approaching, the coming months will test this Liverpool squad, but if Van Dijk’s leadership is anything to go by, the Reds look well-equipped to navigate the challenges ahead.

The faith in Konaté, despite his occasional mistakes, shows that Slot is building a team for the future – one that doesn’t just rely on the performances of the present. Liverpool fans should be excited not just about where they are now, but about where they’re headed. Patience, focus, and hard work are clearly the ingredients Van Dijk believes will lead to success, and it’s hard to disagree.