"Slightly different things are being asked" - Virgil van Dijk details changes made by Arne Slot following his summer move to Liverpool
Arne Slot has enjoyed a phenomenal start to his tenure at Liverpool and Reds skipper Virgil van Dijk has opened up on his compatriot's impact. The Merseyside giants have won 15 of their opening 17 games across competitions having faced only one defeat in the process.
Liverpool are leading both the Premier League table and the Champions League table at the moment. With Arne Slot attracting all the plaudits, Reds captain Virgil van Dijk has insisted that it has not been easy for the Dutchman.
Van Dijk has now opened up on how Arne Slot has approached the daunting task of filling in the void left by his predecessor Jurgen Klopp. The Netherlands international said, as quoted by The Liverpool Echo:
"It's not easy. On the other hand, Slot has provided a breath of fresh air. He tackles things in his own way and where I can help him, I do so."
"The coach inherited a very good team. We must not forget that last season we were fighting for the title with Arsenal and Manchester City until five games before the end. Slot is a very good manager."
Van Dijk added:
"With the new coach Arne Slot, slightly different things are being asked. Not only from me, but also from the other players. I have a very prominent role in that and I like that. And I think the coach is very happy with that."
"I am in a position where you can see, for example, how the opponent puts pressure. With one or two or three strikers. Are the opponent's full-backs high or not, do they play with one or two controlling midfielders? There are different options every time."
The Liverpool captain concluded:
"I've talked about it with the coach since day one. We sat down, with images. The development after that has only been good. I'm really enjoying it here."
"I also have a good view of what's happening when I have the ball, together with Ibrahima Konate, who's doing great. Every match can be different. Am I blocked by a striker or not? Do they want me to move to midfield and take the initiative there? That's all part of it and it works out really well."
Liverpool return to action following the international break on Sunday, November 24, with an away trip to Southampton.
Liverpool to launch a move for Manchester United target: Reports
Liverpool are reportedly set to make a £35 million offer for Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez who has also been linked with a move to Manchester United. As reported by Fichajes.net, the Reds see the Hungary international as the long-term replacement for Andrew Robertson.
Kerkez has impressed in a Bournemouth shirt since his reported £15.5 million switch to Dean Court from Dutch outfit AZ in 2023. The bombarding full back has made 44 appearances for the Cherries thus far having produced three assists in the process.
Liverpool are believed to be looking for a left-back to replace Andrew Robertson in the long run, with the 30-year-old showing signs of slowing down. The Scotsman has been integral to the club's success since his bargain £8 million move from Hull City in 2017.