Virgil van Dijk admits Alexander Isak has found it tough since joining Liverpool, but the Reds captain believes that if the squad copy the attitude of Joe Gomez then they will soon be climbing the Premier League table.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has offered strong praise for both Alexander Isak and Joe Gomez following the Reds’ important 2-0 win over West Ham United.
The victory provided welcome relief after the team had lost nine of their previous 12 matches in all competitions.
Writing in his match programme notes ahead of the upcoming clash with Sunderland, according to a report from the Liverpool Echo, Van Dijk first addressed the team’s form, stating:
“We know that things haven’t been so good for us recently, but Sunday was extremely welcome, in terms of both the result and the performance.”
The Dutch defender then focused on the British transfer record signing, Alexander Isak, who scored his first Premier League goal for the club since his £125m move from Newcastle United.
Van Dijk admitted the striker has had a difficult transition, noting: “Alex has not had the easiest time since joining, as I’m sure he would tell you himself, but he has been working extremely hard behind the scenes, and we know the quality he possesses.
He is a clinical finisher, and hopefully that was the first of many league goals in a Liverpool shirt.”
Van Dijk also singled out Joe Gomez, who made his first Premier League start since late December last year.
“I’d also like to mention Joe Gomez, on what was his first league start of the season,” Van Dijk wrote.
He added that the team will need everyone “to be ready to play their part, whether it’s from the start or off the bench. I thought Joey was outstanding on the day, so big credit to him.”