Van Dijk backs record signing to prove his worth despite slow start
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk believes Alexander Isak has shown enough to indicate he’ll be a success at Liverpool after the striker returned to action with a goal in the 3-1 Premier League win over Crystal Palace.
Isak opened the scoring at Anfield, netting his first league goal at the ground since returning from a broken fibula that kept him out for around 100 days. The Sweden international has endured an injury-hit period following his high-profile move from Newcastle United, but Van Dijk said he has no concerns about the forward’s long-term impact.
“It is quite an understatement to say he’s had a tough year,” Van Dijk said. “He can probably explain it better but the injuries he had and the timing of it has been bad. But now he is fit and we all know what he can bring and he shows it in training and in games as well.
“It is on him now to keep showing that, hopefully after the World Cup because at the World Cup we play against each other so he can take it a little bit easier then. We are happy and I am pleased with him and the work he puts in and am fully confident it will be absolutely fine for him.”
Van Dijk highlighted the different expectations placed on attackers and defenders, while praising Isak’s ability.
“As a striker you can not touch the ball or not play a good game for 85 minutes and you score the winner and it’s happy days,” said Van Dijk. “Us as defenders can play a good game for 85 minutes, make one slip or mistake and are seen as terrible defenders. It’s a bit different but in terms of what I’ve seen of him everyone knows and sees and experiences as team-mates how outstanding he is.
“It is about getting games, confidence but obviously scoring goals as a striker – that’s the main trigger for him. I’m not worried at all about him whatsoever.
“We want more than goals from him and that’s what he can bring and he just has to keep going and keep working, keep staying fit and keep staying important for the football club because I think he will and he already is.”
Fellow summer signing Florian Wirtz added Liverpool’s third goal in stoppage time to seal the win for Arne Slot’s side.
Van Dijk said both players were brought in to make an impact and can play a key role in the club’s future.
“That was always the plan,” said Van Dijk. “These two particular players have been brought to the club to make an impact and it’s not been an easy season for anyone, including those two, but you see the quality they have.
“It is about keeping developing, knowing what it takes to be a Liverpool player not only on the pitch but off it as well, look after yourself and try to be, each and every three or four days, the absolute best of yourself.
“We all know this season has been well below our standards and it’s on us next season to make sure that doesn’t happen anymore because that isn’t the Liverpool way.”
