Liverpool’s form from last season to this season couldn’t be more different.
Red have had a disfunctional and forgettable 2022/2023 campaign. Finishing fifth in the Premier League without a single trophy was the highlight of Jurgen Klopp’s stellar reign so far.
Among the wreckage were several Liverpool players who ended the season with plenty of confidence. Some, such as Virgil van Dijk, have publicly questioned whether he is past his prime.
This season, the same players have given clear answers to critics. And no one hit it as hard as Van Dijk. Now captain of Liverpool, the 32-year-old has dominated the position since the first day of the campaign.
From Virgil’s perspective, yes. Speaking to Volkskrand this week during his time with the national team, the centre-back said he has returned to form and admitted he was “disappointed” with last season.
“I feel really good. Let’s keep it that way,” Van Dijk said. “I’m not used to not playing at a consistent level and the team didn’t always trust me [last season]. “It was very disappointing for me.
“Van Dijk admitted disappointment with his performance.In an interview in his home country this week, Van Dijk spoke about the knee injury he suffered three years ago.
After almost an injury-plagued year, the impact of last season’s sloppy call on Jordan Pickford still seems to be felt. “You have to address flexibility, bending and stretching.
If you don’t stretch well, you won’t be able to bend properly and sprint well. I worked hard for it. “He needs a lot of treatment, even during breaks from training and competition.
“Initially, Van Dijk appears to have recovered well from the 2021/22 time off. But with Liverpool in good form and targeting a top-four finish, any minor mishaps are likely to be overshadowed by those around them.
Last year there was nowhere to hide. Virgil showed his old quirky self but generally looked uncomfortable.
Things are looking good for Liverpool right now and the Dutchman is just that: one of, if not the best defender in the world. It’s been a long journey for Virgo and she still has a long way to go to prove she’s back.
But so far the signs are good. Given what he did for the Reds, Van Dijk got an Abernian season and a few more after that. Nice to see him filming again.
