Virgil van Dijk can’t wait to face Manchester City, despite having to deal with Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne.
Liverpool Take on the Premier League championsOn Sunday, a clash will take place that is less intense than in previous years.
These two teams have been setting the bar in England and Europe for five seasons with thrilling encounters. However, defeat would leave the Reds 16 points behind their counterparts.
Liverpool is now in the middle of the table despite a difficult start to the season. Jurgen Klopp’s menLast time out, they looked rejuvenated in a 7-1 Champions League win against Rangers with Roberto Firmino & Mohamed Salah at their best.
And Van Dijk explained what that result has done for his side’s mentality, especially seeing their forwards all on form
“I think it gives a lift,” he told the club’s website. “The thing is, it doesn’t guarantee anything for Sunday but it’s much better than losing here, for example, or having a draw here, especially when everyone expects you to win.
“So I think it was a great performance overall under the circumstances. I’m buzzing, you know, I’m buzzing about the result, the performance, especially the second half.
“Now it’s time to recover and get ready for a special one on Sunday, where we need each one of us to be at our best.
Asked about his team’s forwards, Van Dijk said: “These guys, they have so much quality, they have been showing it for the last four, five years.
“Obviously the last eight or nine games in – I don’t know how many games we’re in – things have not been going as great as everyone wants for almost everyone and confidence sometimes dropped down a bit.
“But I think all of us showed the quality we have [against Rangers]. For [Salah] to come on at the right time as well when they have to push a little bit more, the space will be more – it’s beneficial for all of us.”
Van Dijk is the Premier League’s record holder for consecutive home undefeated games at Anfield with 68, but Erling Haaland could be his biggest challenge to date.
Van Dijk is very excited that the City machine already has 15 league goals in just nine games.
“It sounds cliché but these are the games you want to play,” he said.
“You play against the champions, you play against one of the best teams in Europe with probably the most in-form striker, with one of the best midfielders, in my opinion, in the world.
“So they have a great side, great manager and it’s always been tough for both sides – it’s not going to be anything different.
“So we should look forward to it. This [win over Rangers] will definitely give a little boost – and it should give a little boost to all of us – that we can be very, very good.”
