Virgil Van Dijk says that it is beyond his “wildest dreams” that Liverpool is clear of 13 points in the Premier League and that even he did not know so Trent Alexander-Arnold will be at the club next season.
Asked about his own feelings when Arne Slot arrived last summer, Van Dijk said: “ I came from a disappointing euro, I had two and a half weeks off, then I entered directly without pre-season, so everything was a little uncertain.
“But from the first day we started working, confidence has increased and we saw what we are capable of and what we have tried to implement under the new regime.
“Coherence is essential. I think we have found it from the start and I think it is also the most difficult thing to get and keep, but we did well and if I expected what we are in this position now? No. And not because I don’t believe in boys, but it’s more than I think I am 13 points at this stage of the season, I think it’s even my wildest dreams.
“We have worked so hard to be in this situation and now we have the opportunity to finish it.”
Liverpool could win the title in Anfield on Sunday against Tottenham, but if Arsenal lost against Crystal Palace on Wednesday, the slot team will be crowned champion and Van Dijk revealed that he and his teammates are likely to come together to look as they did in 2020 when Juren Klopp won the League after Manchester City Losta.
Virgil van Dijk says that it is beyond his “wildest dreams” that Liverpool is 13 points clear at the top
The Reds are about to seal the title of Premier League after defeating Leicester
Van Dijk revealed that he and his teammates are likely to come together to watch the arsenal shock with Crystal Palace on Wednesday, with Premier League title celebrations on the line
“We could be (bringing together). I expect Arsenal to win at home, but if it does not happen, then it would be good for us to be together. Anyway, we will discuss it in the coming days, “said Van Dijk.
And he praised Slot and his team of coaches for the impact they had in their first season in Liverpool. “I was very impressed by him (niche),” said Van Dijk.
“Since the first day, the conversations I have had with him, the requirements he has for the team and obviously for me too, there is a lot of credit to be granted to him.
“We should not forget that we were already a team that was fighting until April of last year, so we had the quality, but we could not finish it and this year, we found this next level in terms of consistency and find a means.
“But listen, the staff also deserves all the credit. Coming from Holland – to adapt so quickly, to improve so many players in the way we play, giving confidence in the way we play without pre -season and without really signatures.
“Obviously, Federico is the signature of the summer that we made and it was also a very good addition to the team, but unfortunately, a little unlucky with injuries, but I think that the manager deserves (praise), not only him, but also the staff,” added Van Dijk.
On the future of Alexander-Arnold, who marked the winner against Leicester, the captain of Liverpool said: `En everything that could happen in the future, it is something that he must solve with himself and the family.
“But he is a Liverpool player at this stage and he is important for our team. He was important throughout the season and came back from the long injury, and that is what I am happy with.
Van Dijk praised Arne Slot and his coach team for the impact they had
The star says he did not know if Trent Alexander-Arnold will be at the club next season
“He is back and among us, he is important and we still have five more games after that, so I hope he can be important for the rest of the games.
“Since I joined the club, he was a fantastic player and there have been a lot of good things that he will always remember if he decides to leave. But listen, at this stage, we do not know in a group what will happen.
Van Dijk also insisted that he did not also question Alexander-Arnold about his future, the 26-year contract that expires this summer.
“I think he already has a lot of pressure, so I would not be of interest to put it on the spot,” he said. “I think we forget that we are dealing with a human being. Sometimes he goes through so many moments in the past two months and everyone will have an opinion on the way he has obviously been.
“For us as players, we want to win matches and it was important throughout the season. It has been important for all the years that we have been together. There are still games to do and we must have the best Trent Alexander-Arnold and whatever happens in the future, it’s life and football and we will see.
“There is a lot of noise around him and everyone can discuss if it’s his fault, but it’s just part of life these days. So when he scores a big goal like that, I think he deserves applause for his intention in this particular moment and to do everything to do everything, because if he stays or leaves, these are moments that you should not take for granted to give us as a team the opportunity on Sunday to finish.
“So I think he deserved this moment and now he is back to work and to be ready for the weekend,” added the 33-year-old.
On his own contractual situation, which ended last week when Van Dijk put a pen on paper on a new two-year agreement, the half-center said: “ I heard so many things that I signed and I did not sign or that I was in contact with so many clubs. I was in negotiations until last month and we found a means. For me, there was only one club. It was Liverpool and I am really proud to extend another two years.
